Extreme psychological abuse - bullying - causes beautiful (usually young) people to commit suicide. Yes, take their own lives - kill themselves to escape the torment they can no longer endure at the hands of bullies. Bullying is now recognized by many elementary schools, high schools, colleges and universities all over North America as a life-threatening phenomenon. Many schools, teachers and parents, however, still don't recognize bullying as a serious problem.
Bullies have been around forever. They have existed, and do exist, in all spheres of life. Bullying is not limited to schools, but is found in our places of work, our families and our social groups. Children and adults are bullied. Children are bullied by children, teens are bullied by teens, adults are bullied by adults, teens are bullied by adults, children are bullied by adults, children are bullied by teens, and seniors are bullied by all groups.
Systematic ostracizing, denigration and other forms of psychological torment affect the brain. These effects have been well-documented by researchers. Some experts consider bullying to be the main method of torture of the modern age. According to Carroll M. Brodsky, psychiatrist, "practically no other stress factor has such an immense impact on brain structures as bullying does", as noted in Ideas and Discoveries (I&D) magazine (April 2011, page 44). Furthermore, to fully understand the situation created by bullying, "you have to imagine that the positive signals a person receives from his environment, such as those that convey recognition, devotion, respect and belonging are sources of vitality that the long nerve cell endings in the brain reach out for. Like the roots of a plant, these endings branch out in search of contact with other neurons when we experience positive feedback, a pleasant touch, kind words, and positive gestures and facial expressions." From birth on, attention and affection are basic nourishments which the brain requires.
Bullying poisons the nerve cells of the brain due to the stress (distress) it generates. Neurons in the hippocampus brain region behave as if they've been killed off by a toxic substance. Within just a few weeks of onset of the torment, the hippocampus of the victim of bullying shrinks. This region of the brain plays a key role in memory. According to Jean Decety, professor of psychology and psychiatry at the University of Chicago, the hippocampus is continually producing fresh new nerve cells and is akin to a "fountain of youth". (I&D magazine, April 2011, p.44) This cellular replenishment ensures that we remain motivated, can process sensory input rapidly, and are receptive, upbeat and focused. Studies have discovered that the extreme stress caused by bullying shuts off production of new nerve cells causing anxiety, self-doubt, mental overload, depression, and lack of focus in victims. The brains of children and teens are especially vulnerable to bullying because their brains are still rapidly developing, changing and structuring.
An American association - the Psychological Harassment Information Association - describes 20 schemes and psychological tricks utilized by bullies. Here is an outline of the schemes as presented in the previously-noted issue of I&D magazine on pages 47 - 49:
1. Negative psychological influence
2. Permanent indirect attacks
3. Permanent indirect innuendos
4. Influence through alarming noises
5. Influence through specific phrases
6. Indirect inducement of fear coupled with intimidation
7. Generating humiliating thoughts
8. Subtle attack
9. Insecurity and lack of confidence generated by double meanings
10. Threats hidden by sarcasm
11. Allusive language (indirect intimidation)
12. Responsibility and vulnerability (loss of control)
13. Manipulation through deception
14. Bullying disguised as a desire to help
15. Invading personal space
16. Staring drills (zeroing in)
17. Self-defense to avoid attacks
18. Direct attacks (verbal insults)
19. Indirect attacks (spreading damaging rumours)
20. Inducing paranoia (making someone think he has a behavioural disorder).
Pages 50 and 51 outline some strategies which may prove effective against bullies. They are as follows:
1. Positive counterprogramming
2. Self-awareness towards boosting self-esteem
3. Connecting to an anti-terror network
4. A bullying diary or journal which records and describes incidents
5. Bully deletion (ignore the bully)
6. Positive visualization
7. Power groups (safety in numbers)
8. Polite counteroffensive
9. Monitor changes/observe own behaviour
10. Use technology to record attacks
11. Protect mind and body by treating self well (eat well, exercise, rest)
12. In extreme cases, leave the environment altogether when no other type of intervention works.
And, I would add, tell someone - a teacher, a counsellor, a parent, or someone else you trust - and contact local police if things are really starting to get out of hand.
And, I would add, tell someone - a teacher, a counsellor, a parent, or someone else you trust - and contact local police if things are really starting to get out of hand.
D.
