Easy target

some people are just unhinged. They'll completely explode at you for seemingly no reason, and then come up with insane ways to justify it to both themselves or other people.

Thats terrible, there should be support for anyone who's treated so badly in the workplace.

I would refuse to accept his appology, OK we can never know whats going on in other peoples lives and all that stuff, but it's not an excuse for such appalling behaviour and never should be. I suspect if they were honest you're NT colleagues will be upset for far longer than 5 mins, probably many of them remain upset and wary, they're just better at bottling it up than you are. I wonder if you could see their private chats whether you'd find your own experiences and feelings reflected and that they feel just as powerless as you?

He apologised, then he said that was not what he meant, I remember what he said, but decided I don't want any discussion. I already have some negative experience with him. The apology means that there was some self reflection. I told him next time give me a paper with some data - order number or at least barcode so I can find it on the system.

Two more weeks is okay, you’ve got this. I hate that someone had upset you so much… they have no idea their actions have caused this and it’s not fair. 

I used to get this often when I worked in offices, gaslit. You have rights like every other person you need to exercise them fully if this happens again.

I'm so sorry - their behaviour doesn't sound acceptable at all. I'd really encourage you to speak to HR or your manager. Write everything down as you remember it, including the date, time, location, what was said or done, who witnessed it, and how it affected you. They should take it seriously and look into whether it counts as bullying or harassment - not something that we should be putting up with in 2026. If not, contact ACAS. If you're a member of a union, speak to your representative as well.

I'm sorry for you and others who experience this sort of thing.

I hope you are able to not have it effect you but I know from experience there are some hurts that are difficult to recover from and take time to process.

It seems to me you experienced bullying - which is especially prevalent when others want to make themselves feel better by making someone else feel bad.

As has also been said on this thread, I am glad that you had help from someone else there and maybe there's a chance that when your boss comes back something can be done about it.

There is no support for me in such cases, in fact this guy approached me today and apologised. This does not change the fact that im generally a magnet for whoever is in a bad mood, and serve as a punching bag for them. This way I don't feel safe and am kinda afraid of people,  because it's like i don't know, when some idiot comes up with something stupid to stress me out. Others are either immune to that or they know how to shut someone up quickly and they forget it within 5 minutes. I can't unfortunately. 

This position sounds totally untenable. The guy was wrong, plain and simple even the collegue you don't get on with knew that.

DO you have a trade union? If so then tell the rep and ask for advice on the next steps forward.

Is there a legal advice centre near you? If not then maybe contact ACAS the mediation service and see if they can help? I think you'd have a pretty good case for constructive dismissal. 

Maybe this is something NAS could advise on?

Yes, exactly my thoughts- it's like I have written on my forehead "are you in a bad mood? I'm the easy target to punch".

I think that he got angry, that im slower to pick up on things and often don't react (because I don't know what to say). It's like getting angry at a paralysed person, that they can't move.

Thank you, I think that he was kind of satisfied by being me distressed. It's sick, maybe he is a narcissist. My colleagues know that he is 'difficult ' only I didn't know and learned it hard way. I'm trying to calm down, still experience some heart palpitations out of stress, and spiral thoughts. And yesterday I wanted to be assessed immediately. I have to wait two more weeks. Ok, not that bad it's weeks, not months or years.

Often we're someone's punchbag.

It must be in the air/water.

I constantly get judged by my appearance and i just stay inside now really 

This is so sad to read, I’m sorry you had to go through all that. I cannot understand how people can be so horrible to others, to see someone upset by something I have done is awful. I really hope you are okay. 

Thank you, I was actually amazed that he took my side because I remember there was also a conflict between us. But bow it's OK for some while. I don't feel safe there anymore. And my manager is leaving,  I somehow felt safe with him, because the environment was predictable and he knew a bit about my situation and used to remind me about food and warn me when it's loud. Now I don't know what it will be. There are some other colleagues who make fun of me, how I talk or walk... I hate changes and they are hard for me, especially changing job, because I'm not attractive. But there is more and more often the thought that my time there will be over soon. I like my tasks but I hate how people treat me. For my mom "just an inconvenience of being different". I hope I will be eligible for some help with employment or legal protection if I get a diagnosis. 

Oh, what shocking behaviour to you! I'm glad your colleague was there to help you, but that was awful! Hugs.