At Innerspace Counseling, we think every child deserves to grow in a supportive environment that encourages their dreams. October marks the National Bullying Prevention Month, a period not just for reflection but also for action. It's time to learn about and stop this issue in all its forms, to protect against its harmful effects.
Depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), suicidal thoughts, and other mental health issues are increasing. Bullying is one factor that contributes to these issues and all these issues can lead to school refusal. It's important to understand and address this. In this blog, we will explore this topic and aim to promote understanding, resilience, and hope.
WHAT IS BULLYING?
Bullying is an intentional act of harming another person, either physically, verbally, or through other means such as exclusion. Bullying is also worrisome because it has layers, like gender disparities, racial biases, and orientation prejudices, which are its underlying causes.
Both at school and online, 20.2% of students report having experienced bullying behavior. From the corners of school hallways (43%) to the vast expanse of online platforms (15%), no place is seemingly safe.
TYPES OF BULLYING:
Verbal Bullying: This is when name-calling, teasing, or making derogatory remarks takes place.
Cyber Bullying: Cyber bullying teens and tweens takes place online, primarily among teens, but not exclusively. Cyberbullying can range from spreading rumors on social media to sending threatening messages. This behavior manifests through social media platforms, texting, email, and other online methods.
Physical Bullying: Hitting, pushing, or any form of physical harm.
Exclusion: Intentionally leaving someone out or making them feel isolated.
THE SILENT SCARS OF BULLYING
The bullying behavior may fade, but the internal scars can last a lifetime. Affected students face increased risks of depression, anxiety, and even physical health problems. The psychological weight is heavier for those who both experience bullying and engage in it. This heavy toll underscores why we need to act - not tomorrow, but today. To help mitigate the long-term mental health impacts of bullying, counseling programs such as Intensive Outpatient Programs (IOP) and Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP) can provide the necessary support and therapeutic interventions to affected individuals.
UNDERSTANDING THE VULNERABLE
Some groups face higher risks of being affected. Students with disabilities, for instance, are not only more susceptible to bullying but also often feel more unsafe in school environments.
Students of color and LGBTQIA+ students often face such adversities. Bullying has negative impacts on their mental health, school performance, and overall well-being. Recognizing these vulnerable groups allows for targeted interventions and support.
Targeted interventions and support, including specialized therapies like DBT accessed through IOP and PHP at Innerspace Counseling, can significantly aid in addressing the mental health needs of these vulnerable groups.
WHY A BULLY BULLIES
Many factors contribute to why a person might turn to this behavior. They may struggle within themselves, encountering problems at home, desiring control, or even may have experienced being bullied in the past.
HOW TO STOP A BULLY
Preventing bullying begins with awareness and education. It's essential to understand the signs, reasons, and its impact on one's mental health. Interventions, open conversations, and establishing a safe environment are crucial steps.
While the statistics paint a somber picture, hope emerges from the shadows. School-based bullying prevention programs have shown promise, decreasing bullying by up to 25%.
Furthermore, when victims find their voice, accessing support, the path to recovery becomes clearer. Peer intervention from friends often have the most immediate impact in such situations. Mental health services such as Intensive Outpatient Programs (IOP) and Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP) are also key to transforming the behavior. Moreover, therapies like Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) can be instrumental in helping victims of bullying process their experiences and develop coping strategies, fostering a path toward healing and resilience. As a community, our focus must be on fostering an environment where students feel heard, protected, and empowered.
CONCLUSION
Bullying is a severe concern that requires collective awareness and action. Remember, October is National Bullying Prevention Month, but the effort to prevent bullying should be year-round.
This National Bullying Prevention Month, let's pledge to be vigilant, compassionate, and proactive. Let's pave the way for a world where every child feels safe, respected, and loved. Treatment programs led by mental health professionals at Innerspace Counseling can be very helpful.
CONNECT WITH US NOW!
We support a holistic approach at Innerspace Counseling. This approach includes understanding the vulnerable, empowering victims, educating the community, and even assisting bullies in understanding their feelings and behavior.
At Innerspace Counseling, we provide mental health treatment programs led by expert therapists and psychiatrists. Our programs, include the Intensive Outpatient Programs (IOP) and Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP). These programs offer a structured approach to treatment options that deliver long term mental health. The various types of therapies include individual therapy, group therapy, family sessions, and medication management. We also use innovative techniques like Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to help manage reactions and emotions related to life experiences.
If you or someone you know is struggling with bullying, wondering "who to call?", don't hesitate to reach out. You’re not alone. We're in this together, and together, we can make a difference.
Furthermore, Innerspace Counseling offers educational programs and training sessions designed for students, educators, and other professionals engaged in child-related fields. Please don't hesitate to contact us for more details.
Resources:
Each public school has a Bullying Prevention Liaison to contact regarding bullying issues