IMPACT OF VERBAL BULLYING

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Verbal bullying can impact every element of life, from academic performance to relationships to success at work. Just like any other form of abuse or bullying, verbal abuse has both short- and long-term consequences, including:

• Anxiety

• Changes in mood

• Chronic stress

• Decreased self-esteem3

• Depression

• Feelings of shame, guilt, and hopelessness

• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)7

• Social withdrawal and isolation8

• Substance use

When verbal bullying is particularly severe, it can impact whether or not people can see themselves as being successful in any area of life. Those who experience verbal bullying as children may experience feelings of worthlessness, difficulty trusting others, and problems regulating their emotions as adults.

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A number of studies have shown that children who are verbally bullied, either at home or by their peers at school, are at a greater risk for depression and anxiety as adults.

It is not uncommon for a person who is verbally bullied to feel inadequate, stupid, and worthless. In some cases. they are explicitly told they are these things by the person abusing them.

Verbal bullying can be particularly confusing because the partner may not be abusive all of the time and their behavior likely emerged slowly over time. In this way, verbal abuse can be insidious and subtle.

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As a result, when the bully is loving and gentle, the victim can forget about the negative behavior. Ultimately, the victim ends up ignoring the pattern of verbal bullying or makes excuses for the behavior, saying that the abuser is just stressed or going through a tough time right now.