Bullying and ways to deal with it.
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What is bullying?
The definition of bullying is: when a person or a group of people repeatedly and intentionally use words or actions to cause distress and harm to another person’s wellbeing. Bullying isn’t the same as a ‘normal’ conflict between people (such as having an argument or a fight) or simply disliking someone. It’s more about repeated behaviour by someone who has power or control over someone else.
The effects of bullying
Bullying can affect everyone—those who are bullied, those who bully, and those who witness bullying. Bullying is linked to many negative outcomes including impacts on mental health, substance use, and suicide.
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Some signs that people who are being bullied might display are...
• Social isolation
• Feelings of shame
• Sleep disturbance
• Changes in eating habits
• Low self-esteem
• School / Work avoidance
• Symptoms of anxiety
• Bed wetting
• Higher risk of illness
• Psychosomatic symptoms (stomachaches, headaches, muscle aches, other physical complaints with no known medical cause)
• Poor school / Work performance
• Symptoms of depression
What to do if someone you know is being bullied
If you or someone you know is being bullied there are people who can help. Fresh Start Counselling Mandurah offer counselling session to help you deal with bullying.
Other available services...
https://www.beyondblue.org.au/
https://www.suicidecallbackservice.org.au/
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All these services are here to help and are all 100% confidential.
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