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Some people might feel that using the word ‘torture’ about bullying is a bit of an exaggeration; but that is what it can feel like when you’re on the receiving end of it — it certainly felt that way for me.
Emotional Pain
Mentally, your emotions are all over the place. You can start to feel totally worthless and even begin to dislike yourself, thinking, “Well, I must be really ugly, stupid, etc, if all these people seem to think so”. Even though you know in your heart that you’re not, you can’t help feeling that maybe you are. Your confidence levels can fall to zero, wanting to fade into the background so that your tormentors won’t notice you and leave you alone.
My nerves used to be so bad that I shook like a leaf as I approached school. I hated it when the teacher asked me a question or I had to read out loud, as I would hear a few of them (sometimes more than a few), sneering and making fun of me, even though I was a more fluent reader than many of them. Sometimes in that situation, I started to stammer, which I still do today if I’m angry and trying to get my point across.
Physical Pain
Physically, I never felt well. I always seemed to have a stomach ache or headaches. I often left the house fasting, as I felt too sick to eat anything. I dreaded lunchtimes because I never seemed to be on the same table as the few friends I had in another class. I didn’t even like eating in front of my own class. I’ve only recently got over my phobia of eating in a cafe or restaurant or in front of people I don’t know.
I also suffered bad headaches which I think were stress-related and I found it hard to sleep at night at the thought of the following day.
All these things contribute to a very real mental and physical torture, so I don’t think it’s the wrong word to use in this situation. At the time it felt like hell on earth.
(This article is a real-life account of one of our contributors. It provides an insight into the physical and emotional effects that bullying victims suffer.)
Bullying Resources
Bullying — A Complete Approach
Contains hints and tips for teachers, parents and young people to enable them to identify and tackle bullying.
- Age range: 12 years and upwards
- Category: Schools
- Published: 1999
- Last revised: 2022
- Pages: 94
Bullying in the Workplace
This pack provides guidance for companies on tackling workplace bullying, supporting the targets of bullying and ensuring the wellbeing of staff.
- Category: Business
- Published: 2020
- Last revised: 2022
- Pages: 50
Bullying Lesson Plans
Bullying and Cyberbullying
This lesson plan covers how to deal with bullying and cyberbullying and contains handouts for the classroom.
- Age range: 12 years and upwards
- Category: Schools
- Published: 2019
- Last revised: 2021
- Pages: 15
Bullying
This covers bullying, the types of bullying, the bully, the target and how to tackle bullying.
- Age range: 12 years and upwards
- Category: Schools
- Published: 2019
- Last revised: 2021
- Pages: 13
Playground Bullying
A lesson plan on playground bullying, the issues caused and addressing the topic.
- Age range: 12 years and upwards
- Category: Schools
- Published: 2022
- Pages: 17
Free Bullying Resources
Anti-Bullying Policy For Workplaces
A free template to help you develop your own anti-bullying policy for your workplace.
- Category: Business
- Pages: 8
Free Download
Anti-Bullying Policy For Schools
A free template to help you develop your own anti-bullying policy for your school.
- Category: Schools
- Pages: 8
Free Download
Targets of Bullying
This free download covers what a bully is and the targets of bullying. See our resource pack 'Bullying — A Complete Approach' for a more comprehensive discussion on bullying, including worksheets, activities and lessons.
- Category: Schools
- Pages: 6
Free Download