Several reasons have been put forward for why children, in particular teenagers, become anxious, depressed or distressed and sometimes even end up taking their own lives as a result of mental stress. While the reasons for these behavior patterns are complex, a new study shows that some forms of bullying may increase the likelihood of such behaviors in teens.
Previous studies in the United States have shown that nearly one in three young people in the country experience bullying, and there have been several cases where bullying activity has led to suicide among the victims. Researchers say that bullying based on a person’s sexual orientation, gender identity, or around hurtful sexual comments is consistently correlated with teens’ feelings of depression, mental distress, and acts of attempted suicide.
Psychologists and psychiatrists say that youth who engage in self-harming behaviors often do so for what they believe to be ‘a good reason’. Young people, especially those who are bullied for their sexual orientation or gender identity, can become anxious and depressed, both of which could lead them to take their lives.
Records show that suicide is the second-leading cause of death among people aged 15 to 24 in the US, with bullying having a role in this tragic outcomes.
Over 50 percent of students bullied for their sexual orientation in the US have seriously considered ending their lives, in contrast to only 14 percent of heterosexual students contemplating such extreme recourse. On the other hand, teens and adolescents who were physically bullied or bullied based on their religion did not appear to report heightened feelings of sadness or hopelessness compared to teens who were not bullied.
Regarding bullying around religion, it is worth considering that a victim of this may have greater and easier support mechanisms to access than a person who is bullied for gender or sexual orientation. For example, a youth bullied for religion can turn to parents, siblings, other family, their faith community, for support, whereas those same resources may be sources of conflict or additional rejection for a youth bullied for gender or sexual identity.
The study included more than 70,000 responses from the 2018 Iowa Youth Survey of 6th, 8th, and 11th graders in the state. The study found that while bullying around gender and sexual orientation had the strongest connections to mental distress, cyberbullying, social bullying, and race-based bullying were also significantly correlated to suicide attempts and mental anguish.
“Being demeaned and put down impacts all aspects of well-being and results in kids questioning their worth, how they look, who they are, does anyone like them — every aspect of their identity can be challenged,” explained one mental-health specialist. “When they internalize these attacks, depression, self-harm, and often reckless behavior can emerge. If they doubt themselves, sharing these worries with someone appears scary and challenging.
Other specialists add that bullying is intentional and usually a repetitive behavior. While victims might be able to shake off one off-handed comment, repeated attacks can have a serious detrimental impact on their psyches. Social media and the prevalence of cyberbullying have amplified the situation — as online bullying behaviors literally follow the kids everywhere they go.
These findings are an important learning that can be utilized in not only training medical professionals but also parents, teachers and other school personnel. There are several ways that parents can help reduce the chances of their children being bullied in school, including nurturing a positive family climate and teaching your kids emotional and interpersonal skills.
Parents can also establish and build relationships with teachers and school authorities, as well as with parents of children at the same school. Opening such a pathway of communication can ensure that problems are resolved amicably before they escalate. Psychologists recommend that the best things a parent can do are to provide compassionate listening, and provide a safe and loving environment that creates resilience and positivity in children.
Parents should also stay alert for signs of depression and mental distress in their kids, although it can sometimes be hard to spot. Signs of depression can include any consistent break in routine — less sleep, less eating, not going out with friends, not talking to siblings or parents, or others. Creating a safe and uncritical environment, where children feel that they are not being judged is crucial to reassure them that the parent will listen to what they wish to share.
Parents should also give considerable thought to what the child is confiding in them and seek professional help in harmful circumstances that could spin out of control.
