Verbal bullying is a cycle of hurt. I was tormented all throughtout school by bullies. Yelling and screaming at me. Telling me to shut up if I said anything. So I stayed quiet, never talking but to a few friends.
Therefore, I thought I was foolish, because my opinion didn’t matter. Anything I said was ignorant. I lost my voice to speak. I lost myself. So, I stayed within my protective shell.
I was continueosly being bombarded with negative comments about my appearance and my inability to defend myself.
But, life goes on basically… to therapy. I’m going to talk about verbal bullying that I experienced as a child.
All things considered, verbal bullying definition is a form of bullying that involves the use of words to harm, intimidate, or manipulate another person.
All in all, it can include name-calling, teasing, insults, threats, and other verbal attacks that are intended to cause emotional pain or distress to the target.
Also, verbal bullying can occur in person or through electronic communication such as social media, texting, or email.
Examples of Verbal Bullying
Here are five examples of verbal bullying:
- Firstly, name-calling: Using derogatory or hurtful names to belittle or insult someone.
- Teasing: Mocking or making fun of someone’s appearance, behavior, or personal characteristics in a hurtful manner.
- Additionally, insults: Using hurtful language or comments to degrade or humiliate someone.
- Threats: Making intimidating or frightening statements to instill fear in the target.
- Lastly, verbal harassment: Repeatedly targeting someone with offensive or abusive language to cause emotional distress.
Three facts about verbal bullying:
- Prevalence: Moreover, verbal bullying is one of the most common forms of bullying. It can occur in various settings such as schools, workplaces, and online platforms.
- Psychological impact: Comparatively, verbal bullying can have significant psychological and emotional effects on the target. This can lead to low self-esteem, anxiety, depression, and other mental health issues.
- Long-term consequences: Generally, Victims of verbal bullying may experience long-lasting effects, including difficulties in forming relationships, academic or work-related challenges. Also, a higher risk of developing mental health disorders.
Verbal Abuse at School
Verbal bullying is a cycle of hurt, remember that. Bullying children at has become the norm. Because children are easy targets to be belittled by other children. Really, there is no one to stop them. No teacher ever intervened in my case.
Neither did any of the other students. Consequently, a lot of the attacks were on the school bus. When I would get on and sit down, the verbal abuse started.
Subsequently, I never really payed attention to what they were saying, but the tone and loudness of their voice. That’s what frightened me.
To this day, if someone raises their voice (not necessarilly at me), I cringe. Hence, I want to go and hide somewhere.
Why Does Bullying Happen?
Verbal bullying is a cycle of hurt, remember that. At any rate, bullying happens because nobody will step up to the plate and help the child. Who wants to be in the wrath path of the bully?
It happens because other kids see it as a norm. Instead, they stand, watch and then go about their day. At least it’s not happening to them.
We have all this online help, therapists and doctors to treat the consequences of bullying, then why is it still happening and gaining momentum, in my view.
Nonetheless, the parents don’t do anything. Hell, they probably don’t even know it is happening or they just don’t care. Some bullies even learn it from their parents.
Effects of Verbal Bullying
Verbal bullying is a cycle of hurt, remember that. Nevertheless, I could probably go on and on about the effects of bullying. I already mentioned a few. Yes, I’m in therapy. Yes, I’m taking medication. Don’t get me started on the meds. Sometimes the side effects are worse than the condition itself.
Overall, verbal bullying can lead to emotional distress, including feelings of anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, and a sense of helplessness. Particularly, the constant barrage of hurtful words and insults can cause significant psychological harm.
Furthermore, victims of verbal bullying may withdraw from social interactions, leading to feelings of loneliness and isolation. Notwithstanding, they may struggle to trust others and have difficulty forming new relationships.
Likewise, I can definitely speak about loneliness and isolation. I isolate because of the anxiety. If I’m not around anybody, the anxiety is minimal. Therefore, I’d rather have minimal than a panic attacks!
Also, verbal bullying can affect the person’s performance at school or work. It may lead to difficulties concentrating, a decline in academic or job performance, and an overall negative impact on their educational or professional goals.
How to Handle a Bully
Verbal bullying is a cycle of hurt, remember that. How do you handle a bully, ignore them. If they see they’re not getting a reaction out of you, then maybe they’ll quit (maybe).
Also, you can clearly communicate to the bully that you will not take their behavior and establish boundaries. Let them know that you will not tolerate being bullied and that you will take action if they continue.
Therefore, if the bullying persists or escalates, report the incidents to a trusted authority figure, such as a teacher, supervisor, or HR department.
Seeking help from those in a position to address the situation can lead to intervention and support. In brief, I never did report it to a teacher because my first run in with bullying was caused by a teacher.
Keep a record of the bullying incidents, including dates, times, and details of what occurred. Overall, this documentation can be helpful when reporting the bullying to authorities or seeking assistance.
Bully Hotline
Crisis Text Line is here to help with bullying. Text CONNECT to 741741 today.
Support Groups:
Pacer’s National Bullying Prevention Center
National Association of People Against Bullying (NAPAB)
Conclusion
Verbal bullying is a cycle of hurt, remember that. So, how am I doing nowadays after all the bullying from in the past? I do believe everything happens for a reason. I have somewhat of a better mindset.
Moreover, I wouldn’t want to be any other person then I am today. Although, I came through it, not unscathed, but still alive. I thank God for where I’m at emotionally in my life today.
I wouldn’t change my life even if I had to relive the bullying again. I’m proud of who I am and I gain more and more self confidence each day.
Yes, I still isolate myself, but once I move to my own pace I believe that will change. Therefore, I’m actually looking forward towards the future and have stopped reliving the past.
If I have come this far, anyone being bullied can become the person that they strive for. Don’t let bullies tell you otherwise. Until next time…
Articles On Bullying
-Words Hurt: Verbal Bullying Definition, Effects, and Prevention
https://www.mcmillenhealth.org/tamtalks/verbal-bullying
-What is Verbal Bullying & How to Prevent It? [A Complete Guide]
https://www.positiveaction.net/blog/verbal-bullying
-Verbal Bullying: Stones Break Bones, But Words Break Spirits
https://ascendbh.com/verbal-bullying-stones-break-bones-but-words-break-spirits
Have a Good One,
Cindee Murphy, One Voice In The Vastness Of Emotions
Quotes on Bullying
“Everyone who wants to do good to the human race always ends in universal bullying.”–Aldous Huxley
“Go empower yourself. You need confidence because the one thing that bullying does is it belittles you, and it takes away your confidence, and nobody deserves that.”-Bill Goldberg
“I think bullying is for insecure and weak people.”–Latto
“Courage is fire, and bullying is smoke.”–Benjamin Disraeli
“In a way, bullying is an ordinary evil. It’s hugely prevalent, all too often ignored – and being ignored, it is therefore condoned.”–Trudie Styler
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