The lifelong scars of bullying

March 20, 2012 - PRLog -- New research has revealed that children as young as 11 have turned to self harm and even contemplated suicide as a result of bullying.

An academic study carried out by Warwick University shows that children involved in bullying – either as a victim or even as the bully – are three times more likely to have considered killing themselves or to have self harmed than other youngsters their age.
Data from more than 6,000 children was gathered as part of the research, which also used information from their parents and teachers.

As this study shows, self harm is a very real phenomenon amongst young people in the UK today, with methods including cutting wrists, pulling out hair or even drinking poisonous substances.

For children who are being tormented by their peers either physically or mentally, harming themselves can be their only form of control – some see cutting themselves as a release of the tension that they feel on a day-to-day basis, for example.

For others, they may feel that they need to be punished for allowing themselves to be bullied and not having the courage to stand up to the people who are making their lives miserable.  It is often carried out in secret so their parents don’t know the full extent of the problem – if at all.

The good news is that for many people who self harm, it is a phase that they will naturally grow out of, especially if they are given support at school with their bullying problem.

However, for others, guidance and support may be needed from an external source to get them through this difficult period in their lives.  If this sounds like you, perhaps consider whether you have a friend or relative you can confide in and – most importantly – trust.  

Or it may be that you have to seek help from your GP or local support team.  There is help available all around the country - a quick internet search will find self harm support in Clacton, Cleethorpes, Clitheroe and beyond so there will certainly be somewhere nearby that you can turn to for help.  You won’t be judged about your self harming – these support networks are here to help you get better, not to make you feel guilty.

If you feel uncomfortable about seeing someone face to face, there are lots of online forums that you can sign up to. These give you the freedom to discuss your problems anonymously with like-minded people and you’ll be able to benefit from the experience of those who have beaten their self harm demons.

Lots of websites also have video testimonials from people who no longer feel the need to self harm – these stories can be really inspiring and can help you to realise that there is light at the end of the tunnel.  

So whether you need self harm help in Clacton or Cleethorpes, Bangor or Bristol, Reading or Rhyl, please do look for support either online or through your GP.  Help is out there – and taking advantage of it will help you on your journey to long-term happiness, free from self harm.

Visit : http://www.essexhealth.co.uk

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