How does bullying make you feel?

Bullying is repeated and unwanted aggressive behavior, which typically involves a real or perceived power imbalance. Bullying can have a lasting impact on both victims and perpetrators.

Bullying can involve verbal things like insults, name-calling, sexual comments, and threats. It may also involve social aspects like being intentionally excluded or ignored, having rumors spread, or being embarrassed in public. Physical bullying can include physical attacks like hitting, pushing or spitting, or it may include having things stolen or broken.

The effects of bullying are serious. Feelings of sadness and loneliness can result from perpetual insults or isolation caused by the events. Anxiety about going to school or wherever the bullying takes place can occur. Sleep can become disrupted, and appetite may change as a result.

Health complaints are common and may be rooted in the physical symptoms often associated with anxiety or depression. These can include aches and pains, headaches, and digestive complaints. Physical complaints may also attempt to avoid attending school or other activities where the bullying has occurred. Decreased academic performance is often a result of bullying, which also may impact feelings of self-worth. People who are bullied are more likely to miss school and skip class.

Bullying may even cause trauma symptoms and create lasting impacts. Bullying is considered an ACE or adverse childhood experience, classified as traumatic events that increase the likelihood of negative impact on development and relationships.

Bullying should be handled by alerting the appropriate authorities. Parents with students experiencing bullying should alert the school’s authorities, beginning with the teacher and school counselor. If you’re a child or teen experiencing bullying, reach out to your school counselor or other trusted adult for guidance and support. Because bullying can have negative and long-term impacts, some who experienced it in the past or are coping with it now may benefit from therapy to cope and process trauma associated with the bullying itself.

If your child or a child you know is in danger or experiencing risk, contact emergency services. If your child is struggling with aftereffects of bullying and feeling hopeless or thinking of suicide, contact a licensed mental health provider or emergency services if the risk is imminent. You can also contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255.