How to cope with bullying
Everyone responds to bullying differently. Some people can ‘bounce back’, but for others their feelings will be harder to deal with. Some coping methods are healthier than others.
Talking to friends or family, doing things you love, listening to music, playing games and staying active are all positive things you can do for yourself.
They won’t make the bullying stop, but they can help you to manage how you’re feeling. Just being listened to can help you to feel better, more supported and less alone; just as listening to friends who are being bullied can help them feel better.
Arguing, taking out your anger on others, doing things to hurt yourself, missing school, drinking or smoking, or stopping communicating with people may seem like ways to cope, but they are not healthy; they don’t change the bullying or how it makes you feel.
If you don’t feel there is anyone you can talk to, or anyone you can be yourself around, it might help to look for places locally or online, where you feel you can fit in better – such as groups that you feel represent you and offer safe and supportive spaces.
Telling someone or getting someone else involved can often help you to feel better – even if it doesn’t make the bullying stop. But what works for someone else won’t always work for you. You will know what feels right for you and your situation. You might need to try a couple of different options to find one that works for you.
It can sometimes feel like the bullying is never going to stop. It will – it’s not forever, change will happen and things will get better, so doing all the things that make you feel strong and happy, surrounding yourself with good friends and family, and caring for yourself well, will all help you to get through it.
