Bullying, defined as unwanted, aggressive actions taken to intimidate, threaten, or demean a target, is one of the most harmful experiences a child can...
Bullying, defined as unwanted, aggressive actions taken to intimidate, threaten, or demean a target, is one of the most harmful experiences a child can endure.
A sense of safety and security is crucial to the healthy development of children, and when this feeling of safety is undermined by bullying of any kind, the effects can be disastrous and have long-lasting impacts. Because bullying is unfortunately so common, the level of harm it entails is often not acknowledged.
The effects of bullying, however, have been shown to be far more harmful than previously imagined.
Bullying is often thought of as being primarily physical-- popular culture has given us an image of a wedgie-giving older child as the archetypal bully. In reality, however, bullying comes in many different shapes and forms, and often it is non-physical types of bullying that can be the most damaging, as well as the least recognized. Some common types of bullying include:
As children are still developing their social skills and finding their place in the world, status among peers becomes an issue of significant importance. Many bullies seek to establish status over their victims through bullying.
Bullies are often very insecure, and may, in fact, be victims of bullying themselves, whether from other children, older siblings, or even their parents.
Bullies seek to cope with these negative feelings and re-establish a sense of control over their lives by putting down others in order to make themselves feel better.
Bullies often choose arbitrary criteria when selecting a victim: they may decide to bully a child simply because of the way they look, or because that child is smaller than they are.
Children who struggle with developmental disorders are often at a greater risk of becoming victims of bullying, as their behavior may make them targets for potential bullies. It is important to remember that victims of bullying are often chosen arbitrarily and that bullying is never the fault of the child being victimized.
Bullying has a host of negative effects, both short-term and long-term. Some of these effects include:
In the long-term, bullying may put children at risk for serious mental health conditions, such as anxiety, depression, and eating disorders.
Occasionally, self-harming or suicidal behavior has been known to occur in victims of bullying, particularly in older children and teenagers.
The effects of bullying can even last well into adulthood, with victims of bullying reporting greater difficulties meeting the demands of everyday life.
Bullying of any kind is a serious issue that must always be taken seriously. Children who are bullied are never at fault for their bullying, and it is the responsibility of the adults who care for the children to address issues of bullying in school and at home in order to create a safe and welcoming environment for everybody.
Other activities which have been found helpful in reducing both immediate feelings of anxiousness and long-term anxieties associated with chronic disorders include yoga, journaling, nature walks, art therapy, volunteering, and other low-stress activities. Additionally, developing a healthy lifestyle incorporating adequate sleep, physical activity, and nutritious meals can help reduce overall stress levels.
Yes, Medicaid provides insurance coverage for therapy services specifically designed to help individuals struggling with anxiety, depression, and other mental health conditions.
We all get a little anxious sometimes—like a sudden jolt of nerves before a big presentation or a first date. But if that nervous feeling has become a constant companion, like an uninvited roommate that won’t leave, it might be time for counseling. Signs that it's more than a passing worry include persistent fear, difficulty sleeping, or avoiding situations that trigger your anxiety. We understand how exhausting this can be. We can work together to help you get your living space back.
Think of anxiety counseling as your personal guide to untangling a complicated knot of thoughts and fears. While it may feel impossible right now, you have the power to conquer it. We'll give you a toolkit of strategies, from understanding what's triggering your worry to practicing deep breathing exercises that calm your nervous system. Through counseling, you'll learn to recognize your thought patterns and challenge them, so you can stop being a passenger in your own life and start being the one in the driver’s seat.
The most effective approach to treating anxiety is like finding the perfect pair of shoes—what works for one person might not work for another. However, a common and effective therapy is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). It helps you identify negative thought patterns and behaviors that feed your anxiety. We also use other approaches, like exposure therapy, to help you gradually face your fears in a safe and supportive way. We'll help you find the right fit for your unique needs.
