Bullying, Anxiety, Depression And Suicide

Today, more than ever bullying, anxiety, depression and suicide are an epidemic among teens. Bullying is simply defined as “when a person is picked on...by an individual or a group with more power...or perceived power”(kidshealth.org). Despite the simple definition, bullying is rarely that easily understood. Bullying has some very serious consequences that not only affect the victim but the bully as well as the bystanders. While not directly caused by bullying, depression can relate to bullying in many ways. Depression is caused by a chemicaimbalance in the brain. Depression is recognized because of the behavioral changes one experiences when depressed (Mayo Clinic). There is no simple definition for depression because it varies from person

to person. Anxiety is very closely related to depression, depression can amplify a person's anxiety. Anxiety is “a natural human reaction that involves mind and body...Anxiety is an alarm bell whenever a person perceives danger or threat.”(kidshealth.org) Depression, anxiety and bullying can all be linked to teen suicide. While they are linked, suicide is not always caused by these factors. In today's age bullying, anxiety and depression, suicide and self harm are very prominent issues in teens.
First bullying is the act of making an individual feel inferior by picking on them, the bully is usually seen as powerful, and the victim weak (kidshealth.org).

Bullying occurs in many different ways including cyberbullying, verbal, physical, and social bullying (Steel, Ann). Cyberbullying is the act of picking on an individual online, usually on social media or over text; verbal bullying is when a bully uses his or her words to hurt an individual; physical bullying is when a bully hurts someone through physical abuse; lastly, social bullying is when a bully uses social isolation to harm an individual, social isolation is leaving a peer out of activities to intentionally hurt them. Due to the easy access to technology today, the most prominent form of bullying is thought to be cyber bullying. However, all types of bullying are a risk at contributing to suicide and self- harm

rates.
Second, what makes someone at a higher risk to be bullied? While there are factors that may make one a “target” to be bullied there is no real “reason” people are bullied. According to stopbullying.gov certain minority groups are targeted such as LGBT youth and those of a different ethnicity. These bullied individuals are usually seen as outcasts, different from their peers, whether it’s that an individual is overweight or underweight, less popular, or simply unable to afford the “popular” clothing trends. Next, what kids are at risk to be the bullies? There are two types of kids who are at the highest risk to be bullies, the first is the kid who is very connected to their peers, they may be overly concerned about their popularity. The second is the kids who are not at all connected to their peers, these kids will appear isolated, they may struggle with depression, anxiety, or have low self esteem. Some other risk factors of kids who are more likely to bully may be aggression toward others, they may have trouble at home or have friends who bully others. Not all kids who show these factors will bully, just as not all bullies will show these factors(stopbullying.gov).
Third, who plays a role in bullying? There are three roles in every bullying scenario, the bully, or bullies, the victim and the bystanders. The bully is the person or people performing the act intended to harm the victim. The victim is the person who is being intentionally hurt by the bully. Lastly, the bystanders are any and all people who witnessed the bullying, the bystanders can play three different roles in bullying, they can help the bully, by jeering and keeping the bully going. They can also help the victim whether they say something directly to the bully or if they go and get an adult to stop the situation. Or the bystanders can just be silent and remain unnoticed.
Fourth, there are many warning signs to know when an individual might be affected by bullying. First, the victim, they may lose interest in school and their grades may drop, they may participate in self destructive behaviors such as self harm. Also, they may have destruction to their personal belongings. Second, the bully, they may get into physical or verbal fights. Often times, those who bully do not take responsibility for their actions and tend to blame others for their problems(stopbullying.gov).
Lastly, bullying affects many people. Bullying has effects on the victim, the bully, and the bystanders. These effects can be either short term or long term, this differs depending on the person. The short term effects on the victim can be physical, or emotional. These victims may become “emotionally withdrawn”(Steele, Ann). People who are bullied will experience fear, they may no longer enjoy certain activities. The short term risks to bullies are similar to the ones of the victim. Bullies often have emotional problems and run into issues dealing with these. Bystanders also deal with short and long term effects of bullying. The bystanders will experience fear of being the bully's next target, also if they chose not to help the victim in the situation then that may lead to feelings of guilt for the bystander. Now, onto long term effects. Long term effects on the victim, bully and bystander are all emotional. The victim and bully are more likely to struggle in positive relationships even into adulthood. Among the emotional issues people impacted by bullying face they may also get into substance abuse. This combined with the emotional problems can badly affect the body. The best way to stop bullying is to speak out against the bully.
Next, anxiety is the body's natural reaction to a perceived threat(kidshealth.org). Anxiety disorders are when an individual experiences excessive amounts of anxiety. This anxiety interferes with the individual's day. Anyone can be affected by an anxiety disorder. Anxiety is described as a feeling of uneasiness. Experts are unsure of what exactly causes anxiety disorders. It seems that several factors play a role in anxiety including, genetics, brain biochemistry, and learned behaviors. There are many different anxiety disorders such as general anxiety, phobias, social phobia, and panic attacks(kidshealth.org). The symptoms of anxiety can include heavy breathing and feelings of tightness in the chest.
Furthermore, there is no definition for depression as it changes from person to person. However, depression is shown through a change in behavior. The changes to watch for include feeling upset, even crying for no apparent reason, frustration, even over small matters. Also, feelings of worthlessness, and low self-esteem. These are just a few of many changes that can occur when an individual is depressed(Mayo Clinic). The symptoms of depression include loss of interest in activities, even ones that were once enjoyed and chronic sadness, however, there are many symptoms of depression.
Suicide and self harm are linked to depression, anxiety and bullying.

Self harm is “a way of expressing and dealing with deep distress and emotional pain.”(HELPGUIDE.ORG) Knowing the signs that someone may be harming themselves is the main way to help them. Look for unexplained cuts,and other injury including burns and bruises. Look for signs of blood in bathrooms and bedrooms. An individual who is suicidal may begin to say goodbye to loved ones or even give away their personal belongings. Watching for these signs is extremely important. If the signs are recognized soon enough it can save lives. Often the realization that a loved one may be harming themselves or considering suicide can be painful but it is important to seek help for

them.
All in all, bullying and its effects are becoming an epidemic. Over the last few years bullying, anxiety and depression, suicide and self harm are becoming very prominent, especially for teens. As seen above bullying is a huge risk that affects everyone. Also, Anxiety and depression are not caused by bullying directly but their effects can be amplified by bullying. Lastly, suicide and self harm are effects of bullying, anxiety and depression, however they can be prevented if you can recognize the signs. Bullying, while not a direct cause of anxiety, depression and self harm is a problem and preventing bullying could save many lives.