“We can all help prevent suicide. The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline provides 24/7, free and confidential support for people in distress, prevention and crisis resources for you or your loved ones, and best practices for professionals. Call 1-800-273-TALK (8255).”
Bullying often occurs in school, on the bus, or the playground and it now involves social media. Kids are now bullied, harassed, and intimidated by text messages and posts on social media, such as Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Snapchat.
November 11-16 is anti-bullying awareness week. According to Stopbullying, “Bullying is unwanted, aggressive behavior among school aged children that involves a real or perceived power imbalance. The behavior is repeated, or has the potential to be repeated, over time. Both kids who are bullied and who bully others may have serious, lasting problems.”
Bullying has a severe impact on a student’s ability to learn. Students who are bullied have trouble with concentration, which shows a decline in grades. A bullied student loses self-esteem, self-confidence, and self-worth. He or she is at high risk of substance use disorders and addiction due to using drugs or alcohol to cope.
A student who is bullied is at risk of physical problems, such as headaches, stomach aches, and sleep disruption. According to the American Society for the Positive Care of Children (2018), bullying can be devastating and can, “contribute to the development of heart problems because of the high level of stress the body is constantly under.” Other long-term physical effects caused by bullying range from aches and pains to susceptibility of infections and digestive problems. Bullying or harassment at school or work can put a person at high risk of health problems.
Some behavioral changes might occur as a result of bullying. The person being bullied might act out, becoming aggressive and unreasonable. He or she could develop mood swings and become hostile, or withdrawn and isolated. Bullying affects appetite and can result in weight loss or weight gain.
Kids are not the only victims of bullying. It can also occur with adults. Bullying manifests into behaviors like verbal abuse, sabotaging work and relationships, and misusing authority. Verbal bullying refers to words that harm others, such as name calling, insults, sexual or prejudiced comments, teasing, and taunting.
If you or a loved one is a victim of bullying or substance use disorder, get help today. Do not stay isolated – you do not need to struggle alone.
Cypress Lake Recovery offers treatment for addiction in a peaceful, remote, oxygen-rich environment. The program encompasses holistic addiction therapy for the mind, body, and soul. The focus is on physical, mental, and emotional well-being by generating the balance of life-enriching treatment, wellness, and healthy, sober, sustainable relationships. Call us to get started: 409-331-2204
