Bullying – Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment Options

Overview of Bullying

Bullying is a pattern of intentional, harmful behavior directed at someone who is perceived as vulnerable or less powerful. Unlike a one-time conflict or disagreement, bullying is persistent, repeated, and creates ongoing harm.

What is Bullying?

Bullying can take many forms:

• Physical bullying: Hitting, kicking, pushing, or damaging someone’s belongings.
• Verbal bullying: Name-calling, insults, threats, or taunting.
• Social or relational bullying: Spreading rumors, exclusion, or public humiliation.
• Cyberbullying: Using digital platforms (texts, social media, email) to harass, threaten, or embarrass someone.

Prevalence of Bullying

• Children and adolescents: Around 20–30% of students worldwide report being bullied, with cyberbullying increasing over the last decade (WHO, 2020).
• Adults: Bullying occurs in workplaces, sports teams, and online communities. Workplace bullying affects about 15% of employees in some surveys.
• Global perspective: Rates vary by culture, environment, and awareness, but bullying is a universal concern across age groups.

Impact on Daily Life

Bullying has wide-reaching effects:

• School/Work: Declining grades, poor concentration, absenteeism, or quitting a job.
• Relationships: Isolation, mistrust, and difficulty maintaining friendships.
• Sleep: Insomnia, nightmares, or disrupted sleep patterns due to stress.
• Mental health: Increased risk of depression, anxiety, low self-esteem, and suicidal thoughts.
• Physical health: Stress can lead to headaches, stomachaches, and reduced immune function.

How is Bullying different from normal conflict?

Conflict is a natural part of relationships and usually involves equal power between people. Bullying, by contrast, involves an imbalance of power, repetition, and the intention to harm.

📌 See also: Anxiety Disorders, Depression, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder

Reference:
World Health Organization (2020). Bullying and cyberbullying. Retrieved from: https://www.who.int/news-room/questions-and-answers/item/bullying

Symptoms of Bullying

Bullying symptoms show up in emotional, physical, and behavioral changes. These warning signs vary depending on age, setting, and severity.

What are the main symptoms of Bullying?

• Emotional symptoms: Fear, sadness, irritability, or sudden emotional outbursts.
• Behavioral symptoms: Avoiding school, work, or social events; withdrawing from friends or activities once enjoyed.
• Physical symptoms: Frequent headaches, stomachaches, or unexplained injuries.
• Academic/work symptoms: Decline in grades or productivity, absenteeism, or loss of interest.

Red Flag Symptoms – When to Seek Help

• Signs of self-harm or suicidal thoughts.
• Sudden isolation from friends or family.
• Dramatic mood swings or constant fearfulness.
• Significant drop in performance at school or work.

Severity Spectrum of Bullying Symptoms

• Mild: Occasional teasing or exclusion, but manageable with support.
• Moderate: Persistent harassment that interferes with daily functioning.
• Severe: Continuous bullying leading to mental health crises, self-harm, or leaving school/work.

Functional Impacts

• Work: Victims may call in sick, quit jobs, or lose career opportunities.
• Sport: Athletes may stop training or competing due to hostile team environments.
• Sleep: Stress from bullying disrupts rest and leads to chronic fatigue.
• Relationships: Victims may struggle to trust others or develop lasting social anxiety.
• Mood and performance: Chronic bullying often results in low confidence, anger, or hopelessness.

Comparison: Bullying vs. Harassment

• Bullying: Can occur in any context, including schools and workplaces, with or without legal frameworks.
• Harassment: Typically refers to legally recognized misconduct, often related to discrimination (gender, race, age).

📌 See also: Sleep Disorders, Social Anxiety Disorder, Substance Use Disorders

Reference:
Modecki KL, Minchin J, Harbaugh AG, Guerra NG, Runions KC. (2014). Bullying prevalence across contexts: A meta-analysis measuring cyber and traditional bullying. Journal of Adolescent Health, 55(5):602–611. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jadohealth.2014.06.007

Causes and Risk Factors for Bullying

Bullying is driven by a combination of individual traits, environmental factors, and social dynamics. Understanding these causes helps in prevention and intervention.

What causes Bullying?

• Power imbalance: Differences in physical strength, popularity, or access to resources.
• Family environment: Exposure to harsh discipline, neglect, or witnessing aggression at home.
• School/work culture: Environments that tolerate aggression, lack supervision, or reward dominance.
• Digital factors: Online anonymity can embolden cyberbullying.

Who is at Risk of Being Bullied?

• Children or adults who are perceived as “different” (appearance, disability, sexual orientation, cultural background).
• Those with fewer social supports or lower confidence.
• Individuals entering new environments (starting a new school, job, or team).

Who is at Risk of Becoming a Bully?

• People exposed to violence or neglect at home.
• Those seeking power, status, or control.
• Individuals with poor emotional regulation or empathy deficits.

Lifestyle and Environmental Influences

• Age: Bullying peaks during adolescence but can persist into adulthood.
• Occupation: High-pressure, hierarchical workplaces have higher bullying rates.
• Technology use: Heavy engagement with social media increases exposure to cyberbullying.
• Community norms: Cultures that tolerate aggression or fail to address misconduct foster higher bullying prevalence.

Daily Life Examples

1. At school: A child excluded from group activities repeatedly feels isolated and develops anxiety.
2. At work: An employee subjected to gossip or sabotage experiences stress, depression, and reduced productivity.
3. Online: A teenager harassed on social media withdraws from both online and in-person interactions.

📌 See also: Workplace Stress, Adolescent Mental Health, Cybersecurity and Mental Health

Reference:
Olweus D. (2013). School bullying: Development and some important challenges. Annual Review of Clinical Psychology, 9:751–780. https://doi.org/10.1146/annurev-clinpsy-050212-185516

Bullying – Diagnosis, Recovery, and Management

Bullying is not just a short-term conflict; it’s a pattern of harmful behavior that has lasting effects on mental health, physical well-being, and social functioning. This section explores how bullying is identified, what recovery looks like, and evidence-based strategies for managing and preventing its impact over time.

Diagnosis of Bullying

Bullying is diagnosed and assessed through observation, interviews, and validated screening tools that focus on emotional, behavioral, and social impacts. Unlike physical illnesses, bullying is not confirmed through medical imaging or lab tests but rather through patterns of experience and behavior.

How do professionals identify Bullying?

• Clinical interviews: A psychologist, counselor, or physician asks about emotional symptoms, relationships, and experiences at school, work, or online.
• Screening tools: Standardized questionnaires such as the Olweus Bully/Victim Questionnaire or Peer Relations Questionnaire are used to evaluate frequency and severity.
• Reports from multiple sources: Teachers, parents, supervisors, and peers may provide insight into observed behaviors.
• Functional assessment: Practitioners examine how bullying affects performance at school, work, or daily life.

What conditions can look like Bullying?

• Workplace harassment: Often overlaps with bullying but may be tied to discrimination laws.
• Social conflict: Normal disagreements between equals, without the imbalance of power.
• Mental health disorders: Anxiety, depression, or PTSD symptoms may arise without bullying but can be mistaken for its effects.

Identifying the root cause

Professionals look at multiple dimensions:

1. Context: Where and how the bullying occurs (school, workplace, online).
2. Duration and severity: Whether it is repeated and escalating.
3. Impact: Emotional distress, physical symptoms, and decline in functioning.
4. Risk assessment: Screening for self-harm, suicidal ideation, or violence.

📌 See also: Depression, Anxiety Disorders, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder

Reference:
Olweus D, Limber SP. (2010). Bullying in school: Evaluation and dissemination of the Olweus Bullying Prevention Program. American Journal of Orthopsychiatry, 80(1):124–134. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1939-0025.2010.01015.x

Recovery Timeline and Prognosis for Bullying

Recovery from bullying depends on the severity, duration, and presence of support systems. Healing is not always linear, but with intervention, most people can regain confidence, safety, and well-being.

How long does it take to recover from Bullying?

1. Mild cases: If bullying is brief and addressed quickly, recovery may take a few weeks to months, especially with supportive friends, family, and school/work intervention.
2. Moderate cases: For ongoing bullying, recovery may take 6–12 months, often requiring therapy to rebuild self-esteem and coping strategies.
3. Severe cases: Long-term or traumatic bullying can take years to recover from, especially if it involves PTSD, depression, or self-harm.

Factors influencing prognosis

• Protective factors: Strong family support, school/work policies, and early intervention improve outcomes.
• Risk factors: Lack of social support, co-occurring mental health disorders, or ongoing exposure to bullies can delay recovery.
• Recurrence risk: Bullying may reoccur in new environments (new school or workplace), but early recognition and assertiveness skills lower this risk.

Return-to-work, return-to-school, and lifestyle outcomes

• School: Victims often need academic accommodations or counseling to regain confidence.
• Workplace: Recovery may involve HR intervention, reassignment, or career counseling.
• Sport/social life: Rebuilding trust and rejoining group activities is an important milestone.

If/then decision pathway – prognosis

1. If bullying is stopped early, recovery is faster and long-term impacts are minimal.
2. If bullying continues without intervention, mental health disorders may develop, requiring professional care.
3. If bullying is severe and long-term, recovery often requires a multidisciplinary approach including therapy, support networks, and lifestyle changes.

📌 See also: Social Anxiety Disorder, Workplace Stress

Reference:
Arseneault L. (2018). Annual Research Review: The persistent and pervasive impact of being bullied in childhood and adolescence: Implications for policy and practice. Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry, 59(4):405–421. https://doi.org/10.1111/jcpp.12841

How to Manage Bullying

Managing bullying involves a mix of prevention strategies, coping skills, and professional support. The goal is to reduce immediate harm, build resilience, and prevent recurrence.

What’s the best way to manage Bullying at home or work?

Here are key steps you can take:

• Recognize it early: Document incidents and identify patterns.
• Set boundaries: Use clear, assertive communication when safe to do so.
• Report it: Inform teachers, managers, or HR—silence often enables bullying.
• Strengthen support: Connect with trusted friends, family, or community groups.
• Engage in self-care: Maintain regular sleep, exercise, and healthy routines to reduce stress.

Self-Help & Relief Tips for Bullying (snippet-ready)

Step 1: Write down what happened, including dates and details.

Step 2: Talk to someone you trust immediately.

Step 3: Practice calming strategies like deep breathing before responding.

Step 4: Report the incident to school/work authorities.

Step 5: Seek counseling if symptoms of anxiety or depression appear.

Each step helps you regain a sense of control while reducing emotional burden.

Professional management strategies

• Therapy: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and trauma-informed therapy help reframe negative beliefs and build coping skills.
• Coaching: Assertiveness and resilience training support recovery and prevent future victimization.
• School/workplace programs: Anti-bullying policies, mediation, and restorative justice practices reduce recurrence.
• Medical support: In cases of severe stress, anxiety, or depression, medication may be part of treatment.

Community and social supports

Support groups, online resources, and school/workplace peer programs reduce isolation and foster resilience.

If/then decision pathway – management

1. If bullying is mild, coping strategies and assertiveness training may be enough.
2. If bullying is moderate, therapy and structured support (school/workplace intervention) are recommended.
3. If bullying is severe, multidisciplinary care – therapy, legal support, medical care, and policy enforcement – creates the best outcomes.

📌 See also: Anxiety Disorders, Sleep Disorders, Substance Use Disorders

Reference:
Ttofi MM, Farrington DP, Lösel F, Loeber R. (2011). The predictive efficiency of school bullying versus later offending: A systematic/meta-analytic review. Criminal Behaviour and Mental Health, 21(2):80–89. https://doi.org/10.1002/cbm.808

Multidisciplinary Coordinated Care for Bullying at CARESPACE

At CARESPACE, we understand that bullying affects more than just your emotions—it impacts your body, relationships, sleep, and confidence. That’s why we take a multidisciplinary, coordinated approach to care. Instead of focusing on just one piece of the puzzle, our team works together across mental health, physical therapy, nutrition, coaching, and lifestyle services to create a plan that supports your recovery and resilience.

How does CARESPACE treat Bullying differently?

Most traditional support for bullying focuses only on counseling or crisis management. At CARESPACE, we know recovery requires more. Our approach combines psychotherapy with physical health, nutrition, coaching, and body-based therapies. This helps you rebuild confidence, reduce stress, and prevent long-term impacts.

For example:

• A psychotherapist helps you process trauma, rebuild self-esteem, and develop assertiveness skills.
• A kinesiologist or fitness trainer supports safe physical activity, which reduces anxiety and boosts mood.
• A massage therapist or acupuncturist can address physical stress symptoms like muscle tension, headaches, or insomnia.
• A nutritionist helps stabilize energy and mood through healthy eating patterns, often disrupted by stress.
• A mental performance coach works with you to rebuild confidence at work, in sport, or in daily life.

📌 Learn more about psychotherapy for bullying-related stress, fitness training for resilience, and nutrition services for emotional balance.

Why does a team approach help Bullying recovery faster?

Bullying affects every layer of your life—emotional, social, and physical. Addressing only one layer leaves gaps in recovery. A team approach ensures all aspects are covered, leading to faster and longer-lasting results.

Recovery journey at CARESPACE:

1. Acute phase (stabilization): Focus on immediate emotional support, safety planning, and reducing stress. Psychotherapy helps with coping, while massage or acupuncture eases body tension.
2. Subacute phase (skill-building): Once stabilized, coaching and therapy build confidence, assertiveness, and resilience. Fitness and nutrition support energy and mental clarity.
3. Maintenance phase (long-term wellness): Continued therapy, fitness routines, and stress management strategies help prevent relapse and build lifelong coping skills.

This layered approach helps you move from surviving to thriving after bullying.

📌 Explore acupuncture for stress and sleep and kinesiology for confidence and body connection.

What mental health support does CARESPACE provide for Bullying?

Since bullying often leads to anxiety, depression, and trauma responses, psychotherapy is a cornerstone of care at CARESPACE.

• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): Reframes negative thought patterns from bullying experiences.
• Trauma-Informed Therapy: Helps process painful memories and reduce triggers.
• Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT): Builds skills in emotional regulation and relationship repair.
• Mental performance coaching: Improves confidence at work, school, or sport after bullying.
• Stress management: Massage, acupuncture, and mindfulness-based practices reduce anxiety and improve sleep.

By blending psychotherapy with physical and lifestyle care, CARESPACE supports both your mind and body in recovery.

How does CARESPACE personalize care for Bullying?

Every person’s experience with bullying is unique, so your care plan is tailored to your needs.

1. If your symptoms are mild, you may focus on coaching, fitness, and resilience-building alongside light therapy.
2. If symptoms are moderate, a more structured plan may combine psychotherapy, massage, and nutrition support.
3. If symptoms are severe, a full multidisciplinary team—including psychotherapy, coaching, kinesiology, and naturopathic medicine—works together to address trauma, restore function, and build long-term resilience.

This adaptability ensures you receive the right support at the right time.

The CARESPACE advantage for Bullying recovery

What makes CARESPACE different is our ability to combine disciplines into a seamless, coordinated plan.

Key benefits include:

• Faster recovery: Multiple specialists working together help you heal more quickly.
• Lower recurrence risk: Building resilience across mental, physical, and social health reduces relapse.
• Whole-person focus: We treat your mind, body, and lifestyle, not just symptoms.
• Convenience: Access psychotherapy, massage therapy, physiotherapy, kinesiology, nutrition, acupuncture, and coaching—all under one coordinated plan.

📌 Learn more about massage therapy for stress, chiropractic care for posture and tension, and naturopathic medicine for overall well-being.

Related Conditions for Bullying

Bullying often co-occurs with or mimics other conditions. Recognizing these related issues helps you or your loved one seek comprehensive care.

• Anxiety Disorders: Bullying can lead to chronic worry, panic attacks, and social anxiety.
• Depression: Ongoing bullying often causes persistent sadness, loss of interest, and hopelessness.
• Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD): Severe bullying can trigger trauma responses such as flashbacks, avoidance, and hypervigilance.
• Sleep Disorders: Stress and fear related to bullying may cause insomnia or nightmares.
• Substance Use Disorders: Some individuals cope with bullying-related pain through alcohol or drugs, which can worsen long-term outcomes.
• Eating Disorders: Victims of bullying—particularly weight-based bullying—are at higher risk for anorexia, bulimia, or binge eating.

Looking for information on a different condition? Visit our full Conditions List.