Bullying can happen at school, at work, or online, and it can be a single cruel incident or something repeated over months or years. Whatever form it takes, it is not something you brought on yourself, and you do not have to handle it in silence.
Why This Can Take a Real Toll
Bullying is not "just part of growing up" or "just office politics" — research consistently links it to measurably worse mental health. People who are bullied are roughly twice as likely to report anxiety or depression as peers who aren't, and involvement in bullying roughly doubles the risk of self-harm and is linked to about four times the risk of suicidal thoughts. "Bully-victims," people who are both targeted and also bully others, face the highest risk of all. Cyberbullying carries its own added weight, since it can follow someone into every room, including their own bedroom, with no reliable off switch.
Signs You Might Recognize
- Dreading or avoiding school, work, certain apps, or specific people or places.
- Sleep problems, stomachaches, headaches, or other physical symptoms that cluster around a specific person or situation.
- Pulling away from friends, activities, or things you used to enjoy.
- A drop in grades, performance, or ability to concentrate.
- Feeling ashamed, worthless, or like you somehow brought it on yourself.
- Talking or thinking about not wanting to be here anymore.
A Few Things You Can Try Today
- Write down what happened: dates, what was said or done, and who else was there. A simple record makes it much easier to report later and to notice patterns.
- Tell one person you trust, whether that is a friend, family member, teacher, manager, or HR contact. Saying it out loud to someone safe can make it feel less isolating.
- If it is happening online, use the platform's block and report tools, and consider taking screenshots before you block, since blocking can sometimes remove the evidence.
- If bullying has left you feeling constantly on edge, our Grounding & Breathing tool has a quick technique you can use in the moment.
When to Seek Professional Help
Given how strongly bullying is linked to depression, anxiety, self-harm, and suicidal thinking, these signs are worth taking seriously rather than waiting for things to blow over on their own. It's a good time to loop in a school counselor, doctor, therapist, or other mental health professional if the toll isn't easing once the bullying stops or is reported, if someone is withdrawing from everyone around them, or if low mood, hopelessness, or self-harm urges are showing up alongside it. Take it especially seriously, and use the crisis resources at the top of this page right away, if bullying has ever brought thoughts that life isn't worth living or that people would be better off without you — this is a well-documented risk, not a personal failing, and support is available.
Where to Go for More
- StopBullying.gov - US federal government resource with practical guidance for young people, parents, and educators on preventing and responding to bullying.
- PACER's National Bullying Prevention Center - Nonprofit resources, toolkits, and support specifically for students and families dealing with bullying.
- Cyberbullying Research Center - Research-based guidance on cyberbullying, online safety, and how to respond to harassment on social media and gaming platforms.
- Workplace Bullying Institute - US nonprofit with information and resources specifically about workplace bullying and how to address it.
- findahelpline.com - International directory of crisis and support helplines, if bullying ever feels like more than you can carry alone.
These are general starting points, not a diagnosis or a complete treatment plan.