Anxiety and flashbacks: The long-term effects of childhood bullying

Blogger Jade Wylde shares her mental health story with Counselling Directory after being both physically and verbally bullied at primary school.

The aim of bullying is to hurt someone, either physically or emotionally. Often a bully will pick out something that’s different about someone, be it the way they look, their religion or even a disability. While most of us will experience bullying in our school years, it can happen at any point in life.

A bully may have been bullied themselves in the past, or could be struggling with a personal problem. Either way, bullying often comes from a painful place.

Being bullied at a young age can have long-term effects. For Jade, her experience of physical and verbal bullying lead to anxiety and flashbacks.

Jade never knew why she was being bullied at school, although she could only assume it was because of her height, she was the shortest girl in her class.

“The worst thing is, the bullies probably don’t even remember you - but you will remember them for the rest of your life.”

“I never felt like the bullying stopped because I could still hear all the horrible things they said in my head. When I looked in the mirror, I’d hear their voices calling me fat and ugly.”

The bullies made a huge impact on Jade's life. “I’ve suffered from anxiety since I was about five. I also had depression from that age too.”

Jade explained that her flashbacks of the bullies were so severe that sometimes she wouldn't even need a trigger.

“I get flashbacks constantly, I could be sat reading or working and a flashback will just pop into my head.”

This year’s anti-bullying week focuses on young children embracing what makes them unique, “All different. All equal”. It's important for all children to feel like they are valued and included at school.

The bullies finally left Jade alone when she left school. She thought she could deal with the bullies herself and regrets not speaking up. Jade said that if she could give one piece of advice it would be: “Tell someone what’s going on, and keep doing so until it stops.”

Waking up every day and feeling the fear of going to school can have lifelong effects on young people. It can affect all aspects of school life, from education to character building.

If you or someone you know are feeling the effects of childhood bullying, know that you are not alone. Talking about your experiences can help you process what happened and heal.

A counsellor can support you with this. To find out more and to find a counsellor in your local area, visit Counselling Directory. (http://www.counselling-directory.org.uk/)

ENDS

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Editor’s notes:

For more information, contact Lauren Richardson, Counselling Directory PR Assistant,

on 01276 301235.

Alternatively you can email press@counselling-directory.org.uk

Images available on request.

Please credit Counselling Directory.

Please link back to the following pages:

Childhood Bullying - http://www.counselling-directory.org.uk/childhood-bullying.html

Jade's full story -http://www.counselling-directory.org.uk/experience_258.html


About Memiah

We provide the listing of thousands of accredited mental health professionals: Counselling Directory, Therapy Directory, Nutritionist Resource, Hypnotherapy Directory and Life Coach Directory. Since starting in 2005, our aim sees us continue to promote a happier and healthier society and we have helped more than a million people to find the support they need. Our journey has seen us launch a mental health magazine on Monday, March 20, 2017 - the International Day of Happiness. Since October, we have been circulated nationwide and have featured exclusive interviews with Louise Thompson, Dodie Clark, Katie Piper, Tamara Ecclestone, Denise Welch, Jeff Brazier, Amy Willerton and Matt Johnson - all candidly discussing their mental health. Please credit and link any releases published back to the relevant directory or Happiful magazine.