5 Ways To Support the Mental Health of Someone Who is Being Bullied
May is Mental Health Awareness Month and here at Stand and Cheer, we know how closely bullying is tied to mental health.
Being the target of bullying has been known to cause an increase in mental health issues such as anxiety, depression, and even trauma. Trauma has been shown to have a direct link to suicide ideation and completion.
So what can we do to support those around us who are struggling with mental illness because of bullying?
Here are 5 ways:
1 Family connectedness is a protective factor. Connectedness is the sense of being cared for and supported. This can be with your family, peers, or school. Children and teens who have a sense of connectedness are less likely to experience negative health outcomes and more likely to do well in school. And remember, family doesn’t always mean that you’re related by blood. Being related by love is also family!
2 Be an upstander and give those who are being bullied a rest from the abuse by calling out the perpetrator or getting help from a trusted adult. (Read more about how to do this here and here.)
3 Check in to see how they’re doing. (Need some ideas on how to send an encouraging text? Check out this free download.)
4 Make them a power playlist of empowering music. Here are some suggestions:
I’m Still Standing by Elton John
This is Me from The Greatest Showman
5 Give them opportunities to do something hard with your support and cheer them on. Things like running a 5K, completing a challenging hike, learning some new words in a foreign language, or learning a new skill.
Research shows that 1 in 5 people will experience a mental illness during their lives. We can help support those who are struggling.
Do you have another way to support someone who is struggling with a mental illness? Let us know in the comments.
You aren’t alone anymore. Let’s STAND together.
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