When does bullying go wrong?

Overall, in the U.S. and all over the world, bullying is taking place at epidemic levels. Many of us have experienced bullying or been complicit in bullying, whether consciously or unconsciously. Perhaps, we don’t say anything while hearing gossip to avoid being targeted or join in to feel like a part of the group. It has almost become an expected part of different areas of life—home, school, work, sports, leisure activities, and social activities. Social dynamics often involve individuals competing for dominance or attention, which may start friendly or without malicious intent. Unfortunately, the impact of bullying can have long-lasting and severe impacts on victims, who may struggle with the impact for the rest of their lives. Survivors of bullying may suffer from low self-esteem, deep-seated feelings of insecurity or inferiority, social anxiety, generalized anxiety disorder, panic attacks, depression, or PTSD. Bullying can also contribute to health problems as stress hormones, including cortisol and adrenaline, are released with the activation of the primitive fight, flight, or freeze response to the continued perceived threats to safety. 

Bullying can impact a survivor’s ability to trust, learn, take social risks to form friendships and connections, and stifle their confidence and ability to pursue their dreams. In some cases, bullying can lead to suicide, increasing sharply among teens and young adults. Cyberbullying and the increased use of social media magnify the negative impact of bullying, often leading the victims to feel like they cannot escape its influence. Furthermore, private photos might be circulated among peers, which can have a devastating and long-lasting impact.

Research has indicated that there is a link between bullying and suicide attempts. Recent statistics by the U.S. Center for Disease Control and Prevention states that suicide rates among young people ages 10 to 24 have risen 57% between 2007 and 2018. The documentary Audrie & Daisy tells the story of two young girls who died by suicide after bullying to raise awareness about the potentially lethal impact of bullying. If you are struggling with bullying, the professional support of counselors can help.

If you have been experiencing any suicidal thoughts, reach out for help immediately. You can reach the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.