Have you ever been laughed at for simply being yourself? Or felt your heart sink after reading a message directed at you? You may have brushed it off at first—"just a joke," you told yourself—until it started following you everywhere. That’s bullying. It doesn’t always shout, but it always leaves a mark.
What Is Bullying?
Bullying is the deliberate act of harming, intimidating, or demeaning another person—often repeatedly. It commonly targets individuals perceived as different or vulnerable and is used to establish dominance or control through verbal, emotional, psychological, or physical means.
Surprisingly, people who engage in bullying often do so as a maladaptive way to gain attention, assert control, or deal with unresolved emotional struggles.
Types of Bullying
1. Prejudicial Bullying
Targets individuals based on their race, religion, caste, gender identity, beliefs, or political views. It reinforces harmful identity-based hierarchies and social exclusion.
2. Relational Bullying
Focused on damaging someone’s reputation or social relationships. This includes gossiping, public shaming, and exclusion—especially common among adolescents.
3. Cyberbullying
Takes place online through social media, messages, or forums. It includes trolling, harassment, and spreading false information. Its reach is vast, and its impact, often devastating.
4. Sexual Bullying
Includes unwanted comments, jokes, innuendos, or explicit content—online or offline. It violates boundaries and contributes to long-term emotional distress.
📖 Radhika’s Story
Radhika, a quiet and kind 16-year-old, tried to keep to herself at school. It started with name-calling and mockery about her clothes. She ignored it at first. But the bullying escalated—her locker was vandalized, she was excluded from group activities, and cruel rumours spread rapidly.
Eventually, Radhika started faking stomach aches to avoid school. Her grades plummeted. One day, a meme mocking her was shared in a school group chat. That was the final blow. She broke down at home. It was only then her parents and teachers got involved. There were no bruises on her body, but the scars on her mental health ran deep. Through therapy and support, Radhika began to rebuild her self-worth.
The Lasting Emotional Impact of Bullying
Bullying isn’t “just part of growing up.” Its effects can last for years—even into adulthood. Victims may experience:
- Low self-esteem and a persistent sense of worthlessness
- Anxiety in even safe or familiar environments
- Depression and a loss of interest in activities once loved
- Social withdrawal due to fear of judgment or rejection
- Thoughts of self-harm or suicide in extreme cases
The emotional toll of bullying can silence voices, dim personalities, and alter lives. But healing is possible—with the right help and support.
💡 Coping with Bullying: Strategies That Help
1. Speak Up, Even If Your Voice Shakes
Talk to someone—a parent, teacher, counsellor, or friend. Reporting bullying isn’t weakness; it’s strength. Staying silent only empowers the bully.
2. Don’t Blame Yourself
Bullying reflects the bully, not you. You didn’t cause it. You don’t deserve it. And your worth isn’t defined by how someone mistreats you.
3. Stay Connected
Lean on people who make you feel safe and seen. Even one supportive person can make a powerful difference.
4. Set Clear Boundaries
If you can, calmly assert your boundaries. Online? Use block, mute, and privacy features. Protect your emotional space.
5. Practice Self-Care & Self-Compassion
Engage in activities that bring peace—writing, painting, music, nature. Remind yourself of who you are beyond the bullying.
6. Get Professional Help
Therapy can help rebuild confidence, release trauma, and provide coping tools. There’s no shame in seeking support.
💬 Final Thought
Bullying thrives in silence and shame. But your experience matters. Your voice deserves to be heard. You are not alone—and you are more than the hurt someone tried to place on you. With support, strength, and self-compassion, you can move forward, heal, and rise—stronger, louder, and unapologetically you.
[Impact of bullying, Bullying and mental health, Emotional effects of bullying, Coping with bullying, Therapy for bullying survivors]