I'm glad you're posting here about your work issues loophole; it helps to get a 2nd opinion or just a shoulder to lean on from those of us who have gone through issues in the workplace.

I'm sorry to hear that people's comments / reactions caused you to become paranoid. I don't enjoy confrontation either (although, admittedly, I am my own worst enemy - I don't have people's skills ... to say the least, so I dig my own grave frequently).

Sometimes we do just explode when we've reached out breaking point - what you've described as "volcano". Doesn't make any difference that you exploded like a volcano at your boss, doesn't make the situation very comfortable though, I can imagine that that felt quite akward aferwards so I'm sorry you were put in that position.

Sounds to me like there are unwarranted snide remarks being made - like the example you gave of forest, that's not called for - you don't deserve that. Whatever the intent, nobody deserves to be called names / made fun of etc.

A few things off the top of my head

- snide remarks - if it were me, personally, I wouldn't tolerate that ... I'd say something a bit light heartedly ... like ... "So you said I'm forest, that's original"...

- find a way to communicate your needs before everything blows up into a big confrontation

- do you have weekly / monthly meetings where you get to express your needs / what it is that you want / what it is that you think needs changing

- what is your communication like with your boss? Are you able to express your needs there too? Before it all blows up and is too late? Is your boss open to negotiation? Does your boss listen to your input? Can you put out the spark before the fire starts?