8 Tips To Overcome The Consequences Of Bullying

It is important that these situations are reported. Once this situation has been resolved, it is crucial that one seek professional help to deal with and overcome the consequences of this bullying.

Today we want to share some tips on how to do this. You should keep in mind that the advice below should never replace the help of a professional.

The consequences of bullying: Definition and analysis of the phenomenon

When we talk about bullying, will refers to the physical or mental harassment or ill-treatment perpetrated by one or more aggressors against a victim. Unfortunately, this is a situation that is occurring more and more often among children and young people. Furthermore, it is traumatic for them.

The victim suffers not only during the bullying itself, but also subsequently because of the psychological consequences that bullying usually leaves behind. These can manifest themselves through anxiety, nightmares, insecurity, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, somatization, etc. 

The important thing to put an end to bullying, in addition to giving the victim treatment for the emotional damage, is also to treat the aggressors so that they do not do it again. Often, bullies are insecure people who seek to feel superior by humiliating those they consider inferior.

Tips for overcoming the consequences of bullying

It will be useful to work with both parties (victim and aggressor). We will now focus on the victim and provide you with some crucial elements to overcome the consequences of bullying.

Ask for psychological help

The first thing is that one should ask for professional help if the child or young person needs it. Sometimes these situations are very traumatic for them and they need the help of a mental health specialist to overcome the fear, anxiety and the general, emotional aftermath of this bullying.

It can be very difficult to try to fix it on your own without help as you do not have the necessary tools to do so. You can ask for help from the professional you need in your case, regardless of whether it is medical care, psychiatry, psychological help, etc.

Make it clear that it is not the victim’s fault

Children and young people who are victims of bullying often feel guilty, but this is unhealthy and unrealistic. The blame for suffering from bullying never lies with the victim, even if he or she thinks so.

For that reason  , we need to help children become aware that the blame always lies with the person attacking them, and that these thoughts of guilt only harm them.

Accept the experience to overcome the consequences of bullying

To overcome the consequences of bullying, it is  important to accept the situation and what has happened. This does not mean that you have to forget what has happened. This means that one must accept that it  has  happened and that the situation belongs to the past and does not have to happen again.

A mental health professional can help with this process by contributing the right strategies for dealing with emotions and pain.

Stay away from the negative thoughts due to the consequences of bullying

After being bullied, victims may have negative thoughts (about insecurity, self-harm, fear, etc.) in a recurring way. If these thoughts are disabling and create significant suffering in children and adolescents, then it is important to work with a professional. He or she will be able to provide the children with resources to block this type of thought.

Express how you feel

It is very important that all the emotions that the children feel, whether they are positive or negative, are expressed. It is a way to understand what the children are experiencing and how it is affecting them. If they analyze their emotions, they will be better and better equipped to move forward and get better.

Stay away from bitterness to overcome the consequences of bullying

It is common for us to experience feelings of revenge when someone causes harm to us, and anger toward that person. However, these feelings only intensify the unpleasant experience. Therefore, it is  important to distance yourself from the anger and accept the situation. This will enable the child or young person to progress in the healing process.

Independence

It must be made clear to the victims that they are important, special and valid people and that they deserve all the good that life has to offer. Furthermore, they have to trust themselves even though they have been through such a traumatic experience and that they can achieve everything they set out for with effort and confidence.

Transformation of the pain to overcome the consequences of bullying

Pain is a feeling that creates suffering. However, it also has a positive side as it has a capacity to make us fight and strive to change the things that cause this harm.

For example, we can turn this damage into art (paint, poetry, sculptures, etc.). The important thing is to focus on something that makes the child feel good and not the pain.

The aftermath of bullying

The advice on how to overcome the consequences of bullying that we have shared today can be a great help when faced with the traumatic situation that a child or young person has been through. However, it can  never replace the guidance a professional can provide. 

It is important to observe our children and pay attention to the signs their behavior gives us, thus deciding which path to take. Most importantly, it is fundamental that we give them our support, love, affection and company. It will help them recover.