Bullying At Risk Of Suicide

Bullying takes place from school all the way to the workplace, and can happen to anyone regardless of age, gender or ethnic group; additionally, it is associated with concurrent mental, emotional, and social difficulties at all ages (Smithyman, Fireman, & Asher, 2014). Those that are bullied experience many negative side effects of depression, anxiety, sporadic sleep and eating pattern, diminished school or work performance, loss of interest in activities normally enjoyed and increased health concerns (HHS, n.d.). In fact, those that are bullied are at risk of suicide. Although bullying alone may not contribute to suicide, the overlaying effects it has on existing depression, domestic problems, or past trauma may push an emotionally fragile
person to commit suicide (HHS, n.d.). Furthermore, a very small percentage of people that were bullied retaliate through violent measures (HHS, n.d.). During the 1990’s, 15 school shooting happened, in particular, 12 out of 15 shooters had a history of being bullied (HHS, n.d.). In contrast to the victims of bullying, the bullies and the bystanders that witness the occurrence also experience negative effects. There is a high possibility that bullies are also bullied themselves or are bullied at home; furthermore, they often have a problem relating to their peer group (Steele, n.d.). Due to their cruelty, mean and manipulative tendencies, and general lack of empathy and unpleasant personalities, they often have no friends (Steele, n.d.). The bystanders that observed the bullying may be afraid of being a target or be labeled as a tattletale, therefore they choose to do nothing (Steele, n.d.). Also, they may feel disassociated from the event and believe it has nothing to do with them. Lastly, they may feel that intervention is futile, that their involvement will not change anything, which results in their feelings of helplessness.