While some may continue to view bullying as a rite of passage for school children and young adults, mental health professionals and others continue to make the case that this behavior is destructive. New research indicates that bullying is a public health problem that is linked to depression. According to a study that tracked 2,668 people from early childhood through adulthood, those who were bullied as 13-year-olds were three times more likely to experience depression as adults than their non-bullied counterparts. While the study does not provide a clear cause-and-effect relationship, it does imply that peer victimization may be responsible for as much as 29 percent of depression experienced at age 18. Parents should take note of these findings.

 

Whether you’re worried about the effects of bullying on your child or on yourself, there are ways to help. Our counselors have experience dealing with the long-term issues of trauma, including depression due to bullying, and we can help you or your loved one learn new ways to deal with the problem. You and your family deserve to be healthy again. Call one of our offices today or check out our website for the free on-line assessment.

                      

 

 

P.S. According to the study mentioned above, name-calling was the most common form of bullying.

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