Bullying & Depression

Bullying was once thought to be a normal aspect of childhood, but the serious and often long-term effects of bullying, even on young adults, has lead people to take it much more seriously. The relentless harassment associated with bullying can have serious effects on an individual’s self-esteem, leading to significant mental health problems. In addition, both physical and emotional bullying can affect the victim’s physical health. Understanding bullying can help you identify your child’s problems to work toward a solution.

Signs of a Problem

Children may feel embarrassed or too frightened to let adults know they are being bullied, so it is important to know the signs that indicate your child may be the target of bullies. Symptoms of a problem can include unexplained bruises or wounds, missing or damaged clothes or possessions, fear of going to school and depression and anxiety, says the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Children who are victims of bullying may also have falling grades, frequent complaints of physical ailments and may be increasingly isolated socially.

Seriousness of Bullying

According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, studies show as many as 160,000 children stay home from school on any given day out of fear of bullying. Bullying is also an early indicator for serious problems with the law. Over 60 percent of boys who are bullies in middle school have criminal convictions by the age of 24, says the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. In addition, children who are bullied are not only more likely to have mental health problems, such as depression, but are also more likely to consider suicide, says TeensHealth from Nemours.

Types of Bullying

Bullying can take many forms. Physical bullying can involve punching, kicking, sexual assault, pushing or otherwise physically harming the victim. Verbal or psychological bullying may involve teasing, threatening, excluding, insulting or spreading vicious rumors about the victim, notes TeensHealth from Nemours. Cyberbullying involves harassing individuals via text messaging, emails, and posting upsetting pictures and comments on websites.

Effects

According to an April 23, 2008, ScienceDaily article titled, “Social Form Of Bullying Linked To Depression, Anxiety In Adults,” a study by the University of Florida found that the effects of psychological bullying are just as serious as physical bullying. In addition, the study also showed that victims of bullying continued to experience significant problems with anxiety and depression into young adulthood. According to the Mayo Clinic, long-term depression can be a serious side effect of bullying that can affect an individual for the rest of his life, so it is important to address both the bullying and the mental health problems bullying causes.

Coping

To prevent severe depression, or even suicide, children need support and coping skills for dealing with bullies, notes the Mayo Clinic. TeensHealth from Nemours suggests staying in groups or with friends at times bullying is likely to occur, for safety and witnesses. In addition, bullies thrive on negative reactions. Teaching your child to diffuse the situation by ignoring and refusing to react to a bully can help prevent an escalation and help her gain a sense of control over the situation. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services also recommends contacting school officials if you suspect your child is the victim of bullies.