Health Effects of Bullying
July 2, 2009
Bullying means intentional maltreatment or harassment to others. This is a very commonly seen act in school days or even in the society where people interact with each other. The law does not allow oppression and repeated intentional bullying.
Bullying is not harmful if done in a playful and mutual way. But when this becomes hurtful and unkind, it needs to be stopped.
Types
Bullying may be verbal, physical or mental. It may also be direct (such as hitting, teasing, taunting) or indirect (such as spreading rumours).
Symptoms
The act of bullying is associated with risk of depression, drug abuse and in even suicide in severe cases. This kind of anti-social behaviour may persist even in adulthood resulting in impaired and stressful relationships.
School children are the main victims, especially girls and also the handicapped (physical or mental) individuals. They are likely to have health related symptoms such as repeated sore throat, cold and cough.
Other symptoms include stress, depression, hyperventilation, frequent vomiting attacks, abdominal and back pain, submissive behaviour, loneliness and low self-esteem. The child refuses to go to school. Bullying is also a common practice at workplaces.
Warning signs
These include difference in behaviour, anxiety, different eating and sleeping pattern and disliking the normally liked activities.
Overcoming Bullying
People generally fear to act when they are bullied so as to avoid being an example and to avoid humiliation. The bullier may not be able to stop or control the abnormal behaviour without help. It is very important to discuss the matter or else complications may develop.
The effects of bullying can sometimes be very serious and may prove fatal at times. Timely intervention by the school staff as well as the parents can reduce the severity of the problem. Sufficient action must be taken to ensure that such anti-social activities do not take place in the society.
People who are not the victims themselves must also help the sufferers rather than considering the matter as none of their business. In severe cases, psychotherapy can also prove beneficial.
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