Being bullied in childhood can lead to depression and other mental health issues that last till adulthood

August 1, 2023

By Mohani Niza

Like a lot of young teens, the bullying Italian-born Emma (last name withheld) faced started in highschool. The young woman, who now lives in Malaysia, but grew up in the UK, had a falling out with her best friend who started hanging around with a more popular crowd.

“Pretty much straight away they started being mean to me. Name calling, threats, acts of physical violence, being humiliated. They said I was weird, stupid, ugly, smelly, to go back to Italy, and so forth. Unfortunately it all got too much and I was unable to attend school,” Emma says. “I had developed severe anxiety and was put on medication. After that I went to two more high schools but my attendance was low because I was too sick to go. The anxiety stayed with me, along with bouts of depression, and I still take medication to this day. “

The Harsh Reality of Childhood Bullying

Childhood is meant to be a time of joy, growth, and exploration, but for many, it becomes a living nightmare due to the prevalence of bullying. According to a study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association, over 20% of adolescents in the United States alone have experienced some form of bullying during their school years. Bullying can manifest in various ways, such as physical aggression, verbal abuse, social exclusion, or cyberbullying.

Consequences of Bullying on Mental Health

Research consistently demonstrates that children and teenagers who endure bullying are more susceptible to developing severe mental health issues, with depression being one of the most prevalent outcomes. A longitudinal study conducted by Copeland et al. (2013) followed a group of adolescents over several years and found that those who experienced frequent bullying were nearly three times more likely to develop depression later in life compared to their non-bullied peers.

The Impact on Self-Esteem and Identity

Bullying inflicts deep emotional wounds, often shattering victims’ self-esteem and sense of identity. Constant criticism and ridicule can lead to feelings of worthlessness and shame. Victims may internalise the negative labels hurled at them, leading to a distorted self-image. The Journal of Abnormal Child Psychology published a study in 2015 that highlighted the strong association between childhood bullying and subsequent self-esteem issues, which, in turn, contribute to depression and anxiety in adolescence and adulthood.

The Role of Social Isolation

One of the most distressing consequences of bullying is social isolation. As peers distance themselves, victims are left feeling alienated and rejected. Prolonged social isolation can have dire consequences on one’s mental health. A study published in Development and Psychopathology by Holt et al. (2014) revealed that bullied individuals often experience difficulties in forming meaningful relationships, leading to a sense of loneliness that perpetuates depressive feelings.

The Cycle of Anxiety and Depression

Childhood bullying can set off a vicious cycle, with anxiety and depression feeding into each other. As victims experience intense emotional distress, they become more prone to developing anxiety disorders, such as generalised anxiety or social anxiety. A study in the Journal of Adolescent Health found that teenagers who had been bullied were at a higher risk of developing both depression and anxiety disorders concurrently, exacerbating their overall mental health burden.

The Neurobiological Impact

Beyond the psychological toll, bullying can leave a lasting impact on the brain’s development. Neurobiological studies have shown that chronic stress caused by bullying can lead to alterations in brain structures associated with emotional regulation, memory, and decision-making. These changes may persist into adulthood and contribute to the development of mood disorders, as evidenced by a study in JAMA Psychiatry (2015).

Seeking Support and Interventions

Recognizing the gravity of the issue, mental health professionals, educators, and policymakers have been working to implement interventions aimed at preventing and addressing childhood bullying. School-based anti-bullying programs, therapy, and support groups are among the strategies deployed to assist victims in their journey to recovery.

Conclusion

The scars borne from childhood and teenagehood bullying are not merely skin deep; they penetrate the very fabric of an individual’s mental health. Academic studies consistently reveal the severe consequences of bullying, with depression standing out as one of the most significant risks. The path to healing from such traumas can be long and arduous, but with awareness, support, and early interventions, we can strive to break the chains of this cycle and foster a safer, more nurturing environment for future generations. Together, we must endeavour to ensure that no child’s laughter is silenced, and their mental well-being is protected from the shadows of bullying.

Tags: depression, mental health issues