When you think of bullying you may think of an 8-year-old kid on the playground who is repeatedly calling peers names, possibly being physically violent and has no care for what they are doing to others. Sadly, bullying is much more broad and prevalent than on the elementary playgrounds and can span to the oldest among us.
The National Center Against Bullying defines bullying as being:
“When an individual or a group of people with more power, repeatedly and intentionally cause hurt or harm to another person or group of people who feel helpless to respond. Bullying can continue over time, is often hidden from adults, and will probably continue if no action is taken.” https://www.ncab.org.au/bullying-advice/bullying-for-parents/definition-of-bullying
Bullying can happen at:
- Home (siblings, parents, extended family, neighbors)
- School (Peers, Teachers, School Staff)
- In the community
- Work (Colleagues, Co-Workers, Bosses)
- Social Media (Facebook, Instagram, Snap-chat, Twitter, Texting)
Social media is where it can be unrelenting and follow you wherever you go. Roseburg Therapy works to help young and old cope with bullying so that they do not feel alone and know that there are people out there that care. There is another bully that you may have never thought of.
Who can be the biggest bully? Yourself.
Let me clarify that I am not here to compare or minimize the bullying actions of people who lack compassion, maturity and insight. I believe bullying is a cancer on our society and culture that spreads hate, violence and fear. I hope that someday it will cease for your sake, for the sake of others and humankind. I work with bullies often and have helped them grow their sense of compassion.
It is my belief that there is a more powerful bully that is always with you, your thoughts and the mind that produces them. Our minds have the power to replay our mistakes, weaknesses, embarrassing moments and failures again and again throughout our lifetime. It can also replay the bullying actions of others leading to feelings of hopelessness and thoughts of suicide. Wouldn’t it be nice to free yourself from the bully your mind tortures you with?
Roseburg Therapy directly intervenes with this bully through counseling by finding ways to silence the bullying voice and seek freedom from negative thinking and traumatic pasts. I offer a free confidential consultation where we can discuss your situation and seek a path towards freedom and well-being.
Here is a great article about the reasoning, effects and causes of cyber-bullying.
Robert Josh Lydon, LCSW
541-900-4285