Rosie, I know I have eluded to this without going into a whole lot of details. I can relate to your situation at work. I was in abusive environment at work. I was bossed by a bully. There is a whole host of websites related to bosses and bullies in the work place. It made me feel better that I was not alone. If they offered me $1,000,000 a day, I would not go back. My boss was verbally abusive, sexually harassing, threw things he knew about my personal life in my face (he knew because we had played golf at scrambles at professional conferences and chatted casually in person, I knew a bit about his personal life too). There was nothing sexual or ever intended sexual on either of our parts. On one occasion he was physically abusive, grabbing something from my hand and knocking me down. I filed a grievance against him. He could NOT speak to me directly. He had to go threw a third part at all times. Even if we were in the same room with someone, he had to communicate through a third person. he could not be with me alone. It was an arbitrary mediator.
I was a counselor I kept thinking I should know how to employ all those skills to be able to communicate with him. At the time I didn't realize it was his problem, not mine (in any way, shape or form). This type of situation is beyond reproach, there is nothing you can do to stop the abuse, except get out! This is a major life event that precipitated my depression. Three months after I retired, the main office investigated the situation and he was forced to leave. He had been there 27 years, had 6 lawsuits filed against him, lost 5. And I personally have come to know these people as well as, four others that were hospitalized and/or recieved treatment as a direct result of his abusive nature on the job. I know this sounds all made up, but I can provide the documentation. However sick it may be, it's in a file drawer right behind me. I know I should throw the stuff out, but I'm not ready to do that yet. I never thought I was capable of hating anyone, he disproved me. I wish ill things to happen to him, harbor many resentments and much anger. (I am working on it.) I have flashbacks, anxiety at my current position because of it, and nightmares.
I tell you this story to reiterate what was said Mom of 3. And add my two cents worth: DON'T PUT UP WITH IT AT HOME OR AT WORK!
I've eluded to that fact that my picker is broke. It is! I for a long time blamed myself for "picking" a boss. lol, you can see that is a negative core belief....
I hope it helps to google bully bosses, etc. It did help me.
I hope knowing you are not alone, it is not part of your imagination, it does happen, and you don't have to put up with it. It's not worth the peace of mind that every human being deserves. If it feels abusive, it is! And I wish I could do something to help make it easier! You nor anyone else deserves to be abused in any way! I wish I could do more than listen.
The opinions above are my own not intented to offend or negate anothers opinion. The story you have read is real. (this was meant to put a bit of humor in an otherwise very uncomfortable topic for me). I hate telling even this small portion of this 5 year abusive boss/employee relationship.