Rehab Explores Link: Bullying and Depression

Columbus, OH - In their recent blog post, SUN Behavioral Health Columbus educated the public on how bullying in schools can lead to depression in kids and teens. Bullying is any unwanted or aggressive behavior inflicted by someone who intends to cause harm. While adults may know to walk away or ignore bullies, for children, it is a devastating experience that leads to depression, self-harm, or suicide.

"Childhood and adolescence are raw times for most people. This is the case even if bullying is not present. The brain isn't fully formed yet, and children are still learning about how to interact with the world around them. They're at an age where they're unsure of who they are, what they stand for, and what matters to them. This makes them particularly vulnerable when it comes to criticism," the blog post states.

Bullying comes in 3 forms: physical, verbal, and cyberbullying. Physical bullying is any physical force that is used aggressively. This type is usually easy to prove. Verbal bullying can include name-calling, teasing, manipulating, or threatening and is incredibly harmful to a child's self-esteem and self-worth. It is more difficult to prove unless a child talks about it. Cyberbullying is often the most common form and involves demeaning photos, cruel comments, hacking into someone's social media, and sharing personal information with others.

Children and teens are urged to "fit in," and there is a lot of pressure on what their peers think of them. Bullying can threaten that self-image and make them believe they have failed. As bullying increases, it can lead to them feeling depressed. Some signs that someone might have depression due to bullying include isolation from family and friends, changes in behavior, self-harm, thoughts of suicide, lashing out, anger, and not eating enough. While bullying does not always lead to suicidal thoughts or behaviors, it can happen. If a child is experiencing signs of depression, it is a cause for concern. Observing their behaviors, talking to them calmly, and providing them with a safe space can help indicate if they need help. Depression often requires treatment to find relief.

Treatment for depression in adolescents and children doesn't usually involve medications. However, sometimes it may be recommended. Instead, children will participate in individual and group therapy. They may also attend educational classes that can help reroute negative thoughts. The skills they learn in therapy can help them for many years. These skills include listening, empathy, communication, conflict resolution, and problem-solving. These are taught through structured activities that can allow them to develop self-confidence, build positive relationships, and improve their social skills.

"Suicidal thoughts, behaviors, and tendencies aren't always easy to detect. If your child participates in self-harm, they'll likely do this privately. Be on the lookout for any signs of depression, and openly discuss those signs with your child. Let them know they're not alone and that many kids their age are dealing with it too," the blog post continues.

SUN Behavioral Health Columbus solves unmet needs in the community. Their crisis care is available 24/7. If someone needs stabilization in the midst of a crisis, patients do not have to call them ahead of time—just go to their facility. They are partnered with Janus pharmacy, ensuring their patients can continue having access to their medication after their initial treatment. They offer a no-cost care assessment that allows them to work with potential patients and their doctors to determine the best treatment plan for their unique needs.

To learn more about SUN Behavioral Health Columbus, visit their website or call them at 614-706-2786. SUN Behavioral Health solves unmet needs.