Bullying has affected many children and adolescents over the past decades. It is not a new issue, and now there are studies supporting the claim that this can affect the mental health of the victims. It may even lead to more serious problems that will become difficult to handle in the future.
Sad to say, it just continues to get worse each year. More people are struggling to fight bullying yet only a few have made a bold move to ask for help or stop it. Until now, it is still a topic that many are aware of but are not courageous enough to face it.
What is bullying?
Based on the definition by Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (2020) bullying is a type of “youth violence” that depicts “any unwanted aggressive behavior(s) by another youth or group of youths, who are not siblings or current dating partners, that involves an observed or perceived power imbalance, and is repeated multiple times or is highly likely to be repeated”.
It can be in the form of physical, verbal, or social acts. Damaging a victim’s property is already considered bullying. In this digital age, another form of bullying turns up – cyberbullying. This has become rampant among internet users. Some think that this is the most difficult to deal with.
Bullying happens everywhere but commonly it takes place in schools and in neighborhoods. According to national data, one out of every five students are reported being bullied. Around 49% of children ages 9 to 12 years old experienced bullying in school and 14.5% of the same age group have been cyberbullied.
There are a number of reasons why a person is being bullied. It could be because of gender, race, ethnicity, social class, body image and even a disability. Their unique characteristics and differences are used to ridicule and disrespect them.
How does bullying affect one’s mental health?
Being bullied creates fear and trauma that will push the victims to lose their desire to live. It is hard to imagine the kind of terror and angst they are going through every day. As much as they want to live in a hole where no one can bother them, they still choose to face their daily tasks but with less enthusiasm.
Bullying is a serious issue that needs immediate action. Even if it has become a dreadful reality for many students, it is only recently that countless advocacies emerge. As time passes, it comes to the attention of therapists and psychologists that bullying affects the mental health of the victim.
Being bullied at a young age poses more risks to mental health. Growing up can be tough and challenging as it is and being a victim leaves a deep scar that possibly may not heal.
Therapists and psychologists agree that victims of any forms of bullying often blame themselves for being bullied. They become harder on themselves – criticizing and attacking oneself.
If this continues, it can lead to greater mental health problems like anxiety and depression. Bullying, if suppressed for a long time, will destroy one’s self-esteem, self-image, and one’s drive to excel in their academic works. There will always be self-doubt and negativities because their self-confidence is tainted with bullying.
With this fact, parents and teachers are getting worried and concerned on how it can be stopped. Not all parents and teachers are aware that their children and students are being bullied. It is not easy to notice unless physical, emotional, and mental aftermaths are slowly surfacing.
Many students, or victims, who experience bullying remain mum about bullying incidents. The main reason is they are afraid that once they say something it will become worse. Therefore, they remain silent and just pretend nothing is bothering them.
If your children display sudden changes in moods and behavior, this is a telltale sign that something is going on. Or when they go home with unexplained bruises or lose the motivation to go to school, it is time to seek professional help.
Bullying is a nightmare for both parents and teachers. But this can be treated and prevented through therapy near me and counseling
Mindshift Psychological Services acknowledges the painful truth about bullying. Their services are catered to those who have been bullied and even to bullies in Riverside, California, Corona, Los California and Los Angeles, California. Its professional therapists and psychologists are trained to handle sensitive issues such as bullying.
Some of their services that prove to be helpful are teen therapy and child psychology. They also provide depression therapy near me and trauma therapy. All their services revolve in ensuring that your children will feel safe, comfortable, and trusting.
It is hard to convince yourself that your children could be victims of bullying. But you have to put trust and confidence in these professional therapists and psychologists that they can make your children free and happy again.
Start your therapy near me session now by scheduling an appointment online or through this number (714) 584 – 9700.
