Can bullying cause depression?

Bullying involves unwanted aggressive behavior in a relationship that includes a real or perceived power imbalance that occurs repeatedly. Some acts of bullying may fall into criminal categories like harassment or assault, depending on the situation. Bullying can take multiple forms:

• Being the subject of rumors or lies
• Being called names or insulted
• Being left out or excluded intentionally
• Being threatened with bodily harm
• Being forced to do things to avoid being injured or otherwise bullied
• Having personal property destroyed on purpose
• Being pushed, spit on, or shoved

Bullying can occur in different environments. It can occur in school, in the classroom, on the playground, or at school-sanctioned events. It may occur on school busses, in the neighborhood where a child lives, or on the internet. Bullying that takes place on the internet is called cyber bullying and often happens on social media platforms, chatrooms, and other similar online systems.

Children who experience bullying during early childhood have an increased risk of depression. Studies have found a link between bullying and a higher risk of mental health problems like low self-esteem, poorer academic performance, depression, and an increased risk of suicide. Research shows that bullying can lead to or increase feelings of:

• Isolation
• Rejection
• Exclusion
• Despair
• Depression
• Anxiety
• Increased risk of suicidal behavior

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.

Kids who are bullied are more likely to experience sadness and loneliness, changes in sleep and eating habits, and loss of interest in things they once enjoyed. These are notably similar to symptoms of depression. Decreased performance in academics is often reported.

If you’re concerned that your child may be experiencing bullying, some signs may indicate a problem:

• Unexplainable injuries
• Missing or damaged personal belongings
• Frequent reports of feeling sick or faking being ill to avoid situations
• Differences in eating and sleeping habits
• Nightmares
• Sudden changes in contact with friends or withdrawal from social situations
• Lower self-esteem

It’s important to note that not all children who experience bullying will display these signs. If you’re concerned that your child may be experiencing bullying, talk with your child. Children often feel helpless when bullying is involved and maybe relieved when you show any interest in what may be happening. If you’re an adult living with aftereffects of bullying, talking with a therapist to process those experiences can be very beneficial.