There’s always that one person who we really dislike and vice versa, but when it comes down to it, sometimes even that can get out of control. It can lead us to not wanting to go to school or college because of that one person. Sometimes that one person can be enough to stop us from leaving the house. Know that person? Don’t worry, I certainly do. Often it’s that certain someone who doesn’t touch you when there’s no one around… Maybe it’s just to prove a point to their friends. It all comes down to the idea of bullying; for me, there are not many positives that come to mind.
The idea of being bullied is a scary one for many I’m sure, including myself. What I’ve learnt, however, is that bullies often pick on those seen as inferior to them; and standing up to them is not always the best way forward. In saying this, I’m not saying you shouldn’t stand up for yourself; but talking to someone is always going to help you through it. I was never one to talk and just kept it bottled inside because to me, talking about my feelings and admitting there was something going on was showing weakness on my part and, being the stubborn teenager that I was, I was not going to show any weakness. However, I got bullied a lot during high school and, in the end, it all became too much and I was forced to talk after the school found out that I’d been hurting myself because of it. Looking back, I wonder why I never told anyone before; and I guess I’m somewhat glad I did in the end because it got sorted and I was much happier in myself than I had been.
I know I’m one of the lucky ones that did talk and get it sorted; I know a lot of young people are scared of being judged for telling someone and then the consequences that could follow. I encourage you though, talking to someone will help. I know of people who have taken their own lives because of a bully and I was close myself, but I didn’t because I found the strength, yes; I said strength, to talk.
Being bullied is one of the worst feelings ever because it makes you feel like you’re not worth anything. It makes you feel like the lowest of the low and if not shared, can result in the unimaginable happening. We must remember though, that anyone can be bullied, and most of the time, they have no say in it at all unless they speak up and get it stopped. Let me tell you this, I know it may be hard to speak to someone if you are being bullied, but please don’t feel like there is no one who will listen – there are so many who will and so many who will willingly help you however they possibly can.
Sometimes, all it takes is a courageous voice to speak up.
“Never be bullied into silence. Never allow yourself to become a victim. Accept no one’s definition of your life, but define yourself.”
- Harvey S. Firestone