The Long-Term Effects Of Bullying On Mental Health

Contrary to popular belief, bullying is not exclusive to childhood. Bullying can happen in a variety of capacities and settings, and there are many adults who are regularly subjected to ongoing mistreatment from others. Bullies can also exist in families, the workplace, relationships, or other social circles. 

The dynamics and situations at hand can impact the specifics of bullying, but this doesn't make the practice any less toxic or harmful. Adulthood and childhood bullying can come with a series of long-term effects which can diminish someone's quality of life. Being aware of these potential effects can help you recognize when you might be affected by them and may ultimately allow you to overcome them.

The long-term effects of bullying

One of the most important things to understand about bullying is the fact that its long-term effects are very real. This is something more and more people are beginning to acknowledge, thanks to ongoing research on the topic. 

Other long-term effects include:

• Resentment and bitterness

• Lowered self-esteem and self-confidence

• Self-destruction

• Social isolation

• Social anxiety

• Chronic mental health problems

• Troubled relationships

•  Increased risk for physical health conditions

• Feeling guilty, shameful, or hopeless

• Suicidal thoughts, ideations, or attempts

We’ll explore some of these long-term effects in more detail below.

Self-destruction

The erosion of self-esteem and self-worth can often follow when an individual is exposed to bullying. Sometimes, people internalize the messages which are routinely conveyed by bullies. More often than not, this message asserts that the person being bullied is simply worthless, unimportant, or not good enough. Despite how untrue this may be, it still leaves an impact when someone is constantly fed this misinformation. The impact typically worsens if the target of the bullying behavior lacks a proper support system or positive influences in their life.

Self-destruction can manifest in a variety of forms, but ultimately, it boils down to making poor life choices. Some common examples include the use of alcohol or drugs, engaging in criminal activities, getting involved with unsafe friends and partners, and more. In many cases, self-destructive individuals are not consciously aware that the bullying they experienced has contributed to their present propensity for unhealthy decision-making.

Trouble with healthy interpersonal relationships among bullied children

Bullying can lead a person to put up walls for themselves. Especially for children, it can be hard for them to develop lasting friendships built on trust. These walls can be so deeply rooted that they alienate people who could actually make a positive difference in the person’s life. This effect of bullying speaks to the significant emotional wounds which are often inflicted as a result of mistreatment. 

On a conscious level, someone may know that not every person is a bully; however, they may also fear that taking the risk of opening up to others simply isn't worth it. Trust issues and challenges with maintaining healthy friendships and relationships are also linked to bullying.

Depression

Many bullied individuals feel trapped and unable to escape the fear of their bullies. If there are power dynamics at play, then this feeling often worsens. Each situation is different and feeling trapped in a terrible situation with no apparent way out can cause someone to develop depression. People experiencing symptoms of depression are more likely to withdraw from others, feel hopeless and sad, and experience thoughts of suicide. 

Depression is something that must be taken seriously and is characterized by a persistent low mood with negative thinking that has lasted for longer than two weeks. A person's behavior is likely to change as well as it becomes difficult for them to function as they typically might.

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) among long-term effects of bullying

PTSD happens as an aftereffect of exposure to something which is traumatic and shocking. If the bullying behavior was severe enough for the individual to perceive a total loss of control or that their lives were in danger, they may be at a higher risk of developing PTSD. Signs of PTSD include unwanted memories of the event, flashbacks, avoidant tendencies, feeling hopeless, and having physical symptoms like insomnia or trouble concentrating.

Overcoming bullying's long-term effects

There are many different ways in which bullying might affect someone. Several factors come into play such as the length of the bullying, its severity, the type, and the individuals and situations involved. Each person's experiences are unique and certain effects may manifest in different ways than others. 

However, there is no denying the existence of long-term bullying effects. Ultimately, it is important to understand various ways to overcome bullying and address the aftermath which generally follows.

Don't be too hard on yourself for feeling badly

Allowing yourself to process the emotions that come along with experiencing bullying is vital to counteracting its long-term effects. It’s healthy to process your feelings rather than ignore or suppress them. Having feelings of anger, sadness, frustration, or anything else you might be feeling is normal. Nobody enjoys being denigrated, picked on, or otherwise mistreated by other people. 

The extent of the bullying, the environment, and other factors can also impact how you feel. Take as much time as you need to feel what you need to feel and don't let anyone make you question it.

Have the right support system

Having supportive individuals in your corner helps ensure that you are not alone as you work through an experience with bullying. A support system can uplift you, encourage you, and give you something positive to focus on. If you are unsure of how to cope with bullying at school or the workplace, the people who comprise your support system can provide helpful advice.

Different situations demand different outcomes, but under no circumstances should you put up with bullying of any kind. Tackling an issue of this magnitude may be more bearable when you have people that you can count on.

Nip it in the bud

If you find yourself in a situation with a bully, reporting the incident to the proper high-ups is always advisable. Dealing with bullying immediately is one of the most effective ways to shield yourself from its long-term impacts. Generally, bullying which lasts for longer periods of time is more harmful. 

Making notes and having documentation may be a good idea. Additionally, if you have witnesses who can vouch for you and support your claims, this may also ensure that the bully is properly dealt with by the right people.

Take care of yourself

The negative effects of bullying can hit harder when the person being bullied is already coping with other concerns or traumas. Ensuring that you’re leading a healthy life makes a difference. Taking a recreational class, indulging in hobbies, and practicing self-care are significant ways to take care of your mental and physical health. Eating nutritious meals, getting enough sleep, and exercising consistently also help ensure that you have a clearer head when you are faced with challenges to overcome. 

Leading a healthy lifestyle does not mean that you will never cross paths with a bully, but it does increase your likelihood of being in a stronger mental and emotional state to move past the experience.

Don't harbor anger about being bullied

As previously stated, experiencing a whirlwind of emotions when faced with a bully is natural. However, harboring anger can cause further harm. While it may make you feel better for a time, holding onto anger ultimately negatively affects your well-being without serving a purpose. 

It's okay to feel angry but finding a healthy outlet to release this anger is imperative. Sometimes, this outlet could involve meditating, working out at the gym, or participating in an artistic activity, such as painting or drawing. Healthy outlets help shift anger from a potentially toxic emotion to an effective source of fuel.

See if you can remove the source

Depending on the type of bully you are dealing with, simply removing them from your life could very well be an option. If you are in a relationship with someone who is bullying you, ending that relationship could be your next course of action. You deserve to have a significant other who respects you and has your best interests at heart.

If someone is bullying you online, blocking their accounts could be an option, as well. Granted, there are certain situations where removing the bully from your life is not feasible or simple. However, if this is something you can do, it's another way you may be able to overcome the long-term, negative effects which are often linked to bullying.

Online therapy with BetterHelp

Whether you're currently being bullied or have had an experience with a bully in the past, it can put a lot of strain on your life. Having the right support system in your corner makes a difference, but you may also find that having a therapist whom you can count on is beneficial. 

If online therapy seems like a viable option for your situation or circumstances, consider connecting with a therapist through BetterHelp. Talking about a bullying experience can seem embarrassing, but online therapy allows you to express yourself. You can open up to a nonjudgmental professional in a safe setting in order to speak what’s on your mind.

Online therapy for mental health and depression among victims of bullying

Bullies, those bullied, and the loved ones of each of these individuals can benefit from online therapy. One study showed that internet-delivered cognitive therapy was effective in reducing the “psychological distress and maladaptive appraisals associated with bullying victimization.” Symptoms of PTSD were also reduced, as were depression, anxiety, and stress. This study shows how online therapy can be a viable alternative to traditional, face-to-face therapy.