What Are The Effects Of Bullying?
Can Bullying Trigger Eating Disorders?

The psychological effects of bullying can be severe and long-lasting. Verbal bullying, or teasing somebody about their weight may trigger other profound effects such as depression, suicide, or eating disorders.

While it's possible for just about anyone of any age to be bullied, studies about bullying in schools -- childhood bullying -- show that it's the sensitive kids who are targeted the most, and forced to deal with the profound effects of bullying.

Bullies think it's fun to make someone else cry, which they see as a testament to their own power or dominance over another human being.

What's interesting is that sensitive people happen to be more prone to the development of eating disorders like anorexia or bulimia.

Always eager to please, and a desire to never "rock the boat", these kinds of individuals are unlikely to step out and defend themselves.

People with eating disorders have an extreme tendency to over-personalize. They will often take their perpetrator's word as the gospel truth and sometimes go out of their way to make changes in order to try to please them.

Most of the time, however, they just suffer the effects of bullying in silence -- and alone. It would take an over-abundance of self confidence and fortitude to not be emotionally affected by the words and actions of bullies.

Unfortunately, most of us are not blessed with such "heavy armor". It proves the point that you do not need to be physically assaulted to suffer damages from bullying.

Emotional Effects Of Bullying - Eating Disorders, Self Esteem Issues

The effects of bullying are very noticeable when teasing involves making fun of someone's weight, body shape or any aspect of their physical appearance.

This can have a severe impact on a person's self worth, creating major self esteem issues for years to come.

It can also be a contributing factor in the development of eating disorders. How?

Victims of bullying are sent an intense message that they are not worthy. They inadvertently learn that their feelings are not important, that they are less of a human being than their friends, schoolmates, or perhaps co-workers.

This can cause anxiety, depression, and even disordered eating habits like skipping meals or episodes binge eating.

Coupled with the emotional sensitivities of bullying, these situations have the potential to lead to full-blown eating disorders if not closely monitored.

What Are The Different Types Of Bullying?

Bullying can manifest itself in many different ways, some of which may not seem like a big deal at first, but it needs to be stopped before it escalates into something even more serious.

The major types of bullying include:

• Physical Bullying - pushing, hitting, stealing, unwanted touching.


• Verbal / Emotional Bullying - name-calling, teasing, spreading rumors.


• Internet / Online Bullying - using the internet to tease, harass or spread rumors about an individual.


• Social Bullying - scapegoating, rudely or sarcastically excluding somebody from a group, public humiliation by way of gestures or graffiti.

If bullies are not stopped, everyone suffers. Witnesses and bystanders are afraid to get involved out of fear that they could become the next victim. They often remain silent as a way of protecting themselves (or perhaps siblings or other family members) from harm.

Additional Emotional And Physical Effects Of Bullying

When victims have a wounded self concept due to the effects of bullying, it can make everyday life a nightmare.

In the early stages, they may try to avoid going to school, or walking down a certain street in order to avoid "the bad guys", but over time, this can progress into severe social isolation.

The bullied person often feels alone, scared, and terribly unhappy. If these feelings are not dealt with, they could lead to depression.

The following are some bullying effects that an individual who is being victimized might experience:

• Social withdrawal; being a loner
• Difficulty concentrating or keeping focused.
• Anger or bitterness; feelings of revenge.
• Unwilling to trust people.
• Decrease in school or work performance.
• Suicidal thoughts, feelings.
• Low self esteem; feelings of worthlessness.
• Not being able to sleep, sleeping too much, nightmares.
• Anxiety or panic attacks.
• Getting sick more often - either real, or as an excuse to avoid situations where they might be bullied

The effects of bullying are harmful to one's emotional and physical health. It leaves its victims feeling shamed, battered, and powerless, which can lead to further problems and other violent behavior.

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