Acknowledge the bullying you experienced.
Victims of bullying often spend years minimizing the bullying, dismissing it or pretending it didn’t happen. Or, they succumb to feelings of guilt, shame or self-blame, believing if they had been different or tried harder the bullying would not have happened. The only way to begin the healing process is to recognize that the bullying did occur and that you were not responsible for it.
Make your health and recovery a priority.
Victims of bullying often deal with a host of health issues.
These can include everything from insomnia, stress conditions and headaches to post-traumatic stress disorder, anxiety issues and eating disorders. Be sure to talk to your doctor about any symptoms you are experiencing. Bullying does more than just impact mood and self-esteem it also can have a serious impact on your health.
Take steps to take care of yourself.
Reclaim control.
Feelings of powerlessness and helplessness can carry over into adulthood. As a result, you run the risk of living your life as a perpetual victim. Realize that while you cannot control what happened to you, you can control your reaction. Start your recovery by taking control of your thoughts, emotions and actions and making healthier choices. It is also important to own your reactions and realize that you can choose to make healthy choices. You have a choice on how to live your life.