I've been bullied and it hurts what should I do?
I've been bullied and it hurts what should I do?
View hidden comment
wikiHow forums are moderated for quality. Learn more about our moderation policy here.
Submit Answer
Being bullied is really difficult, shameful, and can be traumatic. First, please acknowledge that it's ok that you may feel hurt, angry, confused, sad, and/or embarrassed. All those feelings are normal and understandable. Second, understand that bullying says more about the other person than you. There is a saying, "hurt people hurt people." In other words, the person/people who bully are typically very sad/lonely/hurt people themselves, and sadly, they are expressing it the wrong way. Just because someone says something about us doesn't make it true. Your job will be to recognize your worth and not make it dependent on anyone else. Finally, even though bullying is painful, it can also make us stronger, more resilient, and empathetic to others. Remember, no matter what, you are appreciated and valued ♥️
I am a licensed clinical social worker providing general information for educational purposes only. I am not liable for any decisions made or actions taken based on the information provided.
View hidden comment
I am a licensed clinical social worker providing general information for educational purposes only. I am not liable for any decisions made or actions taken based on the information provided.
First of all, I’m so sorry you’ve been dealing with this! Bullying is incredibly painful, and it’s totally normal to feel sad or hurt. In my experience, I’ve found a few things to be helpful. First, find an outlet to express your feelings, so that they don’t stay bottled up. Journal about your emotions, talk to a trusted friend or family member, or consider talking to your school counselor or a therapist if you’re feeling really down.
Second, make an effort to do things that bring you joy on a daily basis. Do a hobby you love, watch your comfort show, play a fun video game, whatever brings you a little relief from the heaviness of the situation. Finally, make a list of a few qualities that you’re proud of (“I’m smart,” “I’m empathetic,” “I’m resilient,” etc.), then recite them as affirmations to boost your confidence when you’re feeling sad. And remember, be patient with yourself. It takes time to heal from bullying, but you can do this!
View hidden comment
Second, make an effort to do things that bring you joy on a daily basis. Do a hobby you love, watch your comfort show, play a fun video game, whatever brings you a little relief from the heaviness of the situation. Finally, make a list of a few qualities that you’re proud of (“I’m smart,” “I’m empathetic,” “I’m resilient,” etc.), then recite them as affirmations to boost your confidence when you’re feeling sad. And remember, be patient with yourself. It takes time to heal from bullying, but you can do this!
I would add that I find that people who bully or tease other people are often trying to elicit a specific response from them, so you get the best result by providing the opposite response. If someone is teasing you, they want to see you get angry; they want to see you get upset.
So, what I often advise people to do is take a couple of deep breaths and smile in the face of teasing or be silent in the face of teasing—something that shows that that person is not eliciting the response they want and, therefore, doesn't have power over you and your emotional response to any event in any moment. Inevitably, if they're not getting the response they want, they'll probably move on.
Then, I agree that it's important to get support by talking to someone you trust. There'll be a family member or a teacher, someone that can help you.
View hidden comment
So, what I often advise people to do is take a couple of deep breaths and smile in the face of teasing or be silent in the face of teasing—something that shows that that person is not eliciting the response they want and, therefore, doesn't have power over you and your emotional response to any event in any moment. Inevitably, if they're not getting the response they want, they'll probably move on.
Then, I agree that it's important to get support by talking to someone you trust. There'll be a family member or a teacher, someone that can help you.
What’s on your mind? Ask anything.
Get advice and feedback from experts and wikiHow readers just like you.
Ask a Question
