What is the definition of bullying?
Bullying can affect an individual’s emotional, physical, and mental wellbeing. It can affect them in terms of verbal and physical abuse, threatening behaviour, name calling, racism, sexualised bullying, or even cyber bullying.
Many things can be said about bullying but does not have the exact definition. Although, it is a repeated behaviour and it could hurt someone emotionally, physically, and if someone were to have a mental health issue, it can also affect them mentally. It is aimed at certain people like, someone’s race or religion, gender or sexual orientation, appearances, and disability.
It can be stressful and confusing when overthinking on what steps to take to make bullying stop.
It is important to help each other, also young people to get through tricky situations and build up confidence. It is understandable how life brings you variety of challenges for you to manage or stop it from happening.
How can bullying affect your mental health?
In the present and future, bullying can have a massive impact on your mental health. Whether getting bullied as a child, teenager, adult, or an elderly, it can make you overthink and anxious. Just know you can’t cope with this alone. You deserve all the support and the help you can get. Everyone goes through different situations.
Bullying can make you feel anxious, worried, depressed, feeling down and tearful. You feel like you are not worth anything, or nobody likes you. You could often feel sick, have head or stomach pains, feel the rage or stressed. You think that things will never get any better, and you could be hurting yourself or someone else. If you’re feeling and thinking things like this, you should look for help right away.
Mental health can affect your daily routine. This includes the difficulties of concentrating in school or work, not want to socialise with anyone, not enjoying yourself, lack of food or overeating, vomiting, lack of sleep or oversleeping, substance abuse, or having flashbacks and nightmares.
Self-Care
I know it can be tough to take care of yourself, but it is important to be strong and handle situations. It is good to put yourself and mental health first.
You can try to exercise, take the time to relax, and get creative.
Talk to someone
When it comes to certain situations, regards to bullying, talk to a staff member at school, a manager at work, parents or someone close to you. I know it can be scary, but you will feel better when you open up, and have someone to help you manage the situation.
You should think before saying something, then you will feel prepared and confident. However, it can be helpful to write down key points of issues, or to draw something to express your feelings and make it easy for others to understand.
Further Resources
You can make an appointment with your GP who will listen and talk you through with your issues and give advice on what could help you.
If you are struggling with suicidal thoughts, self-harm, depression or anxiety, talk to someone who specialises in mental health.
Bullying can also drive you to suicide. Please, don’t go through with that. For your health and life, urgently look for help right away. Talk to someone about your issues, or call 999 to ask for an ambulance or to go to the nearest A&E.
