Most of if us have experienced the negative effects of bullying at some time in our lives hence why it’s always such an emotive subject. Many feel their blood run cold and old memories resurfacing at the mere mention of the word. Some feel scared but most feel angry at the pain it has caused and continues to cause.
Bullying can be physical or mental. Sometimes family members are responsible, sometimes it occurs at School or at work (yes bullies grow up and continue Bullying). It can include violence, taunting, exclusion, threatening and belittling.
Bullying scars it’s victims and the horrible feelings of helplessness are constantly triggered. The effects can cause low self esteem, anxiety, panic attacks, self harming behaviours, anorexia, ill health and even suicide. It can hold it’s victims back and prevent them from living a full life.
So why do people become bullies?
Many bullies are actually victims of bullying themselves. For some it makes them feel powerful and for others it’s a way of deflecting their own insecurities onto others. They all share one thing in common, they all are deeply insecure!
So how do we combat bullying.
1. If you are experiencing bullying now facing it alone can be an uphill struggle so talk to someone. If you are a child a close member your family or an adult you trust. For an adult, a friend or someone at work. You are not alone! If it’s physical maybe the police or an outside organisation that can advise you on what to do.
2. Don’t take it personally! A bully tries to deflect their anger, fear, disappointment or shame onto another rather than face up to it themselves. It may feel personal but it’s not about you, it’s about them.
3. If you were bullied in the past but still feel the effects today visit a good hypnotherapist to help you to process the feelings from the past. Those days are behind you and you live in the hear and now. It is unnecessary to hold onto old feelings that only serve to make you feel bad and it’s actually relatively easy to do.