Bullying: Signs & Support in York, Manchester & online

What is Bullying?

Most of us encounter bullies at some point in our lives. While many believe that bullying only happens throughout childhood, this is not the case.

Bullying can be experienced verbally or physically and can have a genuine impact on your wellbeing at any age.

Bullying can take many forms, including at work, from friends, from a partner, from a neighbour, online cyberbullying or even within a family setting.

Bullying is characterised by cruel actions, such as personal insults, ridiculing jokes, threats, intimidation, public shaming, invasion of your personal space, or unwanted personal contact.

Bullying is often about power and control. It can occur as a result of a bully’s own unresolved, personal issues, which makes them choose to lash out at others – but this does not mean it is acceptable behaviour.

 

Symptoms of Bullying

There are numerous emotional and physical consequences of bullying. You may feel you have to avoid certain settings where the bullying occurs and begin organising your life around avoiding this person.

 

Bullying may make you feel:

Stressed

Anxious

Frightened

Lonely

Worthless

Withdrawn

Angry

Tearful

 

Bullying may cause:

Low self-esteem

Losing interest in activities you used to enjoy

Difficulty concentrating

Aggression towards others

Nausea

Mood swings

 

How to deal with Bullying

Feeling victimised or bullied as an adult is often challenging to address as many people will justify mean or offensive language as ‘banter’ or a ‘joke’. It is not acceptable if you are the target of anything that leaves you feeling uncomfortable. Failure to address these issues can impact your overall mental health and wellbeing.

Speak to people who may be able to influence the situation when you feel able to do so without repercussion.

 

How we can help with Bullying

Everyone experiences the odd demeaning comment or harsh feedback, but if you feel like someone else’s actions towards you are persistently making you feel oppressed, belittled, or humiliated, then you may be a victim of bullying.

Our team of expert therapists can offer you a range of specialist psychological therapies to suit your needs. Our starting point for therapy is to offer an individual consultation to think with you about your worries or concerns and identify the approach to therapy that is most likely to help.

As an independent therapy service, we are delighted to be able to provide a highly personalised approach, informed by clinical research and best practice, professional expertise, and your own preferences.

We understand that seeking therapy can be daunting and that taking the first step can be challenging. We have a team of trained experts who can work with you to design a bespoke and flexible treatment that works best, which is available at our clinics in York, Manchester and online.

Please get in touch using the form below to find out more about how we can help.