Bengaluru Man Hospitalised After Brutal Zoom Call
Workplaces are expected to be spaces of growth and professionalism. However, for one junior data scientist from Bengaluru, the office turned into a source of mental and physical trauma. After enduring months of verbal abuse and pressure, the employee suffered a severe panic attack during a video call so intense that it required emergency hospitalisation.
A Promising Start Turns Toxic
The employee joined a small event-discovery startup in Bengaluru. As a young professional in the field of data science, he looked forward to learning and contributing to a growing team.
Unfortunately, his experience quickly took a troubling turn. According to the employee, the non-technical CEO began to micromanage him from the very beginning demanding constant updates, setting unrealistic deadlines, and often yelling when things didn’t go his way.
Psychological Harassment Over Time
Over seven months, the employee faced:
- Constant shouting and criticism
- Unreasonable work hours (12–14 hours daily, including weekends)
- Disregard for his efforts and mental health
- Frequent changes in project goals and expectations
- Direct communication with the CEO, bypassing reporting channels
The CEO, who had no background in data science, reportedly insisted on detailed explanations for every technical aspect. When the CEO didn’t understand something, it often led to angry outbursts and personal insults.
Breaking Point: A Medical Emergency During a Video Call
After enduring months of what he described as “psychological torture,” the employee decided to resign. But even after submitting his notice, the verbal attacks did not stop.
During a final Google Meet video call, the CEO reportedly raised his voice continuously, attacking the employee both professionally and personally. The stress became overwhelming.
“I tried to respond calmly, but he just kept yelling louder. I couldn’t breathe, my chest tightened, and I collapsed,” the employee shared in a Reddit post.
This extreme response was a full-blown panic attack, a medical condition in which the body reacts to stress with intense physical symptoms including shortness of breath, chest pain, and dizziness.
The employee’s mother was nearby and noticed something was wrong. She rushed him to the hospital, where he received medical care for the panic attack.
The Link Between Verbal Abuse and Panic Attacks
Panic attacks are intense episodes of fear or discomfort that come on suddenly and can mimic heart attacks. They are often triggered by chronic stress, trauma, or emotional abuse.
Common symptoms include:
- Racing heartbeat
- Tightness in the chest
- Difficulty breathing
- Sweating or shaking
- The feeling of losing control
According to mental health professionals, verbal harassment in the workplace is a serious concern. Repeated exposure can lead to anxiety disorders, depression, and even post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
Conclusion
This Bengaluru case is a stark reminder that toxic work environments don’t just harm productivity they can damage lives. As we continue to prioritise mental health awareness, employers must create safe and respectful spaces, and encourage employees to recognise when enough is enough.
Source: Inputs from various media Sources
Priya Bairagi
Reviewed by Dr Aarti Nehra (MBBS, MMST)
I’m a pharmacist with a strong background in health sciences. I hold a BSc from Delhi University and a pharmacy degree from PDM University. I write articles and daily health news while interviewing doctors to bring you the latest insights. In my free time, you’ll find me at the gym or lost in a sci-fi novel.
