Bullying

"Remember always that you not only have the right to be an individual, you have an obligation to be one." — Eleanor Roosevelt

Bullying can affect people of all ages—it is not limited to children or teenagers. It can occur at school, at work, at home, and older adults can be particularly vulnerable. In recent years, the rise of technology has led to an increase in cyberbullying, with the constant ability to post and view content creating a serious, pervasive issue.

Bullying can take many forms depending on the context. It may involve verbal threats, intimidation, physical assault, threats to livelihood or wellbeing, or defamation and ridicule—especially common in cyberbullying. A helpful definition of bullying is repeated behaviour intended to harm someone, leaving them feeling isolated or unhappy. The key factor is intent, which distinguishes bullying from casual teasing or banter.

The effects of bullying can be profound. It can undermine confidence, diminish self-esteem, and create emotional distress. Sometimes people may not even realize they are being bullied, instead seeking help for symptoms that stem from bullying, such as social anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, self-harm, or suicidal thoughts.

If you feel you are being bullied, support is available, and you are not alone. Several agencies listed on my Resources page can provide assistance.

Can therapy help?

Therapy provides a safe, supportive environment to talk about what is happening without judgement. It offers a space to explore your experiences, understand your options, and develop practical strategies to regain confidence and improve wellbeing.

Therapy may involve:

• Exploring your inner experiences and patterns of interaction with others
• Developing practical strategies to boost confidence
• Reducing negative thinking patterns that keep you feeling stuck
• Accessing practical support when needed

I think someone I know is being bullied, but they won't talk about it. How can I tell?

People who are being bullied often keep it secret to protect friends or family from worry. Some signs to watch for include:

• Withdrawing from social activities or showing general tiredness
• Changes in mood or attitude toward life
• Increased irritability or shorter temper
• Taking more time off school or work due to illness
• Frequent headaches, nausea, or other stress-related symptoms

Here is a very useful site with advice on how to approach someone you suspect is being bullied.

Bullying

Bullying can occur in many areas of life, from the workplace and schools to online spaces and personal relationships. It can take many forms—verbal, physical, psychological, or digital—and often leaves long-lasting effects on self-esteem, confidence, and emotional wellbeing.

Understanding the Impact

Being bullied can lead to a range of emotional and physical responses, including anxiety, depression, irritability, sleep disturbances, and a diminished sense of self-worth. Even after bullying has stopped, the effects can linger, affecting relationships, work performance, and daily life.

Therapeutic Support

Therapy provides a safe space to process experiences of bullying, explore the impact on your self-esteem and confidence, and develop strategies to cope and rebuild. We work on practical approaches for setting boundaries, asserting yourself, and responding effectively in challenging situations. Over time, therapy can help you regain a sense of empowerment and resilience that bullying may have undermined.

For Workplace Bullying

In professional settings, bullying can involve harassment, intimidation, or unfair treatment. Therapy and coaching can help you navigate these dynamics, manage stress, and identify strategies for resolution or protection, while also supporting your emotional wellbeing.

Benefits of Support for Bullying

• Regaining confidence and self-esteem
• Developing assertiveness and coping strategies
• Understanding the psychological impact and processing trauma
• Building resilience for future challenges
• Learning strategies to manage or avoid further bullying

If you are experiencing bullying or are affected by past experiences, it's important to seek help. You don't have to face it alone.