Bullying in our adult years: The effects it can have

Icy Tales Team
5 Min Read

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When we think of bullying, we’ll tend to think about our school years and childhood. However, it really can extend into our adult years and it can have just as damaging an effect, whether it be in the workplace, within families or in our social circles.

The likes of peer pressure, shaming and emotional abuse can all have huge impacts on our mental health as well as creating other damaging behaviours, such as addiction, financial problems and more. In fact, visit any drug rehab and you’ll find plenty of people who have turned to substances either as a direct result of being pressured or as a coping mechanism to deal with such abuse.

It’s so important to understand that the nature of a relationship isn’t ok, otherwise it can have significant effects on you, with bullying in our adult years likely to have the following impact on us:

Emotional and Psychological Impact

The emotional and psychological impact of bullying can be absolutely devastating. It can be much harder to recognise than the type of bullying that occurs in childhood, and over time the subtle nature of the bullying that may be occuring can lead to the likes of anxiety, depression and a huge drop in self-worth.

It can lead to a stress that leaves us feeling helpless and hopeless, and disorders can form as a result, with panic attacks, generalised anxiety disorder and even post-traumatic stress disorder not uncommon.

Impact on Professional Life

Bullying in the workplace is one of the most common forms of bullying you’ll find as an adult, and this can lead to a significant drop in performance and productivity. That can have a big impact on our own careers, missing promotions, potentially facing disciplinary action, a loss of job satisfaction, or even the loss of a job completely.

It’s also more likely to lead to burnout, while you can feel isolated within your work, damaging relationships and networks with others as a person tries to protect themselves from bullying. It’s why it’s so important to recognise the signs that you are being bullied and to speak out to HR resources about it.

Social and Relationship Effects

You may find bullying within social circles too and often this can lead to withdrawing from such relationship groups. This can increase loneliness significantly and actually leave you feeling cut off from friends who aren’t bullying you too.

The stress of bullying can often spill over into other relationships too, leading to more conflict, a lack of trust and more misunderstandings, disrupting the support system you’d typically rely on during your times of need.

Physical Health Consequences

The stress of being bullied can manifest in physical health problems as well. Chronic stress has been linked to a range of health issues, including headaches, digestive problems, high blood pressure, and a weakened immune system. Over time, the physical toll of bullying can contribute to serious conditions such as heart disease, gastrointestinal disorders, or even strokes.

Moreover, the psychological impact of bullying often leads to unhealthy coping mechanisms. Victims may turn to alcohol, drugs, or overeating as a way to numb their emotional pain. These behaviours can lead to further health complications, creating a vicious cycle of physical and mental health decline.

Long-Term Effects

The effects of adult bullying can be long-lasting, with some individuals carrying the scars of their experiences for years or even decades. The psychological impact may persist long after the bullying has stopped, affecting the individual’s ability to trust others, form relationships, and maintain a positive self-image. In some cases, victims of adult bullying may develop chronic mental health conditions that require long-term treatment and support.

Last Updated on by Icy Tales Team

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