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Childhood bulling is extremely common and effects up thirty-five percent of children. As grown up’s we are expected to “get over” it. However, bullying effects can last a lifetime. Some experts even suggest bullying is as harmful as child abuse, if not worse.
About twenty percent of kids experience mental health problems in life, even at an older age such as fifty. While we can spot some of it, such as Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), other health issues are more difficult to recognize. These can range from bouts of anger to feeling of inferiority.
Most related research is based on immediate effects, intervention and prevention. We are however, researching long-term and new forms of bullying, such as online abuse.
As a result, we know that long-term side effects are well documented and that victims report a number of health-related issues such as severe anxiety, social anxiety into adult hood as well as developing personality disorders.
Depression is another negative consequence, which might lead to suicidal ideation and even suicide attempts. So if you or someone you know with depression or anxiety have a history, there may be a link.
Forty percent of females and thirty percent of males who have been bullied, show symptoms of PTSD. Torment can follow them in life. Triggers can be remembering the bully incident or related stimuli, or visiting the location of torment.
Many individuals with depression, anxiety or PTSD may seek help and uncover that bullying could have played a significant role in mental health problems, while for others, signs are more subtle.
Self-esteem decline is a high risk factor and consequence of bullying. Its not difficult to observe that kids who suffer from a cycle of bulling at school, during a time when they are still in the process of developing their personalities, could suffer serious and long lasting self-esteem issues.
Similarly, high self-esteem has been linked to bullying others, but this seems to be moderated by other factors. High self-esteem is linked to high bully rates in schools.
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Crofton, Chemainus, Duncan, Ladysmith, Mill Bay, BC, British Columbia, counselling, relationships, anger, conflict, trauma, abuse, Dr., Doctor, addiction, dysfunction, stress, domestic, family, mediation, conflict, anxiety, depression, bereavement, child, conflicts, marriage, parenting
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Also distinctive is anger, which as prerequisite of aggression and is associated with victimization and perpetration of bullying. It’s well recognized by bullies, that abusive behavior lies intent to hurt another person, typically motivated by hostility, aggression, and anger. However repeated bullying also makes victims angry, which maintains the cycle of bullying. A noticeable difference between the two is that bullies exhibit higher levels of proactive aggression, whereas victims exhibit higher levels of reactive aggression.
Bullying often leads to health problems, drug abuse, social withdraw, alcohol and rust issues. For victims, loss of trust is the most challenging. But if no one stands up for you, you will begin to lose trust in your peers.
Its important to note that the effects of bullying are interconnected. Example – bullying leads to low self-esteem which is related to depression, depression is related to suicide, etc. Victims tend to experience multiple effects during their victimization period and in adulthood.
Being bullied can leave you feeling depressed, helpless, humiliated, or even suicidal. If you or someone know is or has been bullied and needs help, don’t hesitate to reach out.
