Unfortunately, bullying has become a common occurrence in our society.  Bullying has lasting effects on people from childhood through adulthood.  The following are examples of bullying, notice that these examples don’t just include physical components.  

 

Physical bullying:

·        Hitting or striking someone

·        Kicking someone

·        Shoving someone

·        Intentionally tripping someone, causing them to fall (especially if they are carrying several items)

·        Spitting on someone

Verbal bullying:

·        Teasing

·        Threats of physical harm

·        Name-calling, which can include racist, homophobic, or other offensive language

·        Yelling

·        Harassment

Bullying can also be based on impacting relationships with the victim:

·        Starting rumors about someone

·        Intentionally excluding someone from an activity

·        Giving the silent treatment

·        Gossiping

 

According to the American Psychological Association, bullying is a form of aggressive behavior in which someone intentionally and repeatedly causes another individual injury or discomfort. Bullying is not just seen in classrooms and on the playground but it is also seen in the home, in the workplace and online. 70.4% of school staff have seen bullying, 62%witnessed bullying two or more times in the last month and 41% witness bullying once a week or more. Mental illness and bullying have a strong correlation and can affect self-esteem and lead to negative effects on an individual’s mind set. The relationship between mental illness and bullying had been proven over and over again and although treatment for mental illness remains the same, there are many ways to prevent and stop bullying before an individual is at risk of amental health disorder.

Without intervention, however, individuals are at higher risk for the following:

• Chronic depression
• Increased risk of suicidal thoughts, suicide plans,     and suicide attempts
• Anxiety disorders
• Post-traumatic stress disorder
• Poor general health
• Self-destructive behavior, including self-harm
• Substance abuse
• Difficulty establishing trusting, reciprocal friendships and relationships

 

With immediate and proper mental health treatment and support systems in place, the prevention of long- term consequences associated with bullying can be minimized. With September being

Suicide Awareness Month, it is important to be vigilant to individuals that are struggling.  If we intervene early, we may save a life!

https://discoverymood.com/blog/mental-illness-and-bullying-and-understanding-the-connection/

https://www.mcleanhospital.org/essential/bullying-kids-teens

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