The Impact of Bullying on Mental Health: Insights from Recent Research

Bullying remains a widespread problem affecting millions worldwide. Its consequences extend far beyond the immediate pain or humiliation. Recent research reveals that being bullied can have profound and lasting effects on mental health. Understanding these impacts is crucial for parents, educators, healthcare providers, and anyone involved in supporting vulnerable individuals.

How Bullying Affects Mental Health

Bullying involves repeated aggressive behavior intended to harm or intimidate. This behavior can be physical, verbal, social, or cyber-based. The mental health effects of bullying are complex and vary depending on the individual, the type of bullying, and the duration of exposure.

Anxiety and Depression

One of the most common outcomes of bullying is the development of anxiety and depression. Studies show that victims often experience persistent feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and fear. These feelings can interfere with daily functioning, school performance, and social relationships.

For example, a 2019 study published in the Journal of Adolescent Health found that adolescents who experienced bullying were twice as likely to report symptoms of depression compared to their peers who were not bullied. Anxiety disorders, including social anxiety, also tend to increase among those targeted by bullies.

Low Self-Esteem and Self-Worth

Bullying attacks a person’s sense of self. Victims often internalize negative messages, leading to low self-esteem and poor self-worth. This can create a cycle where the individual feels powerless and isolated, making it harder to seek help or build supportive relationships.

Research indicates that children and teens who face bullying may struggle with self-identity and confidence well into adulthood. This can affect their career choices, relationships, and overall quality of life.

Post-Traumatic Stress Symptoms

In severe cases, bullying can lead to symptoms similar to post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). These symptoms include flashbacks, nightmares, hypervigilance, and emotional numbness. The trauma from ongoing bullying can leave deep psychological scars.

A study from the American Journal of Psychiatry highlighted that repeated bullying in childhood increased the risk of PTSD symptoms in young adults. This shows how early experiences of bullying can shape mental health long after the bullying stops.

Bullying and Suicide Risk

One of the most alarming findings from recent research is the link between bullying and increased suicide risk. Victims of bullying are more likely to experience suicidal thoughts and attempts compared to those who are not bullied.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that youth who experience bullying are 2 to 9 times more likely to consider suicide. This risk is even higher for LGBTQ+ youth and those with pre-existing mental health conditions.

This connection underscores the urgent need for effective bullying prevention and mental health support systems in schools and communities.

Empty school hallway with lockers and a backpack on the floor, symbolizing isolation and bullying effects

Long-Term Consequences of Bullying

Bullying has deeply persistent effects, often shaping the trajectory of a person’s psychological, social, and physical wellbeing for decades after the actual incidents end.​

Chronic Mental Health Disorders

Adults who were bullied as children are at significantly increased risk for depression, anxiety disorders, suicidal thoughts, and even psychotic experiences well into their middle age. These individuals often require more extensive support and intervention, as lingering trauma can impact daily functioning, resilience, and capacity for enjoyment in life. The association between frequent bullying and chronic mental illness is robust across large-scale, long-term studies.​

Social and Interpersonal Difficulties

Victims of bullying frequently experience lifelong challenges with trust, self-worth, and social engagement. They tend to have trouble making or maintaining friendships, are less likely to live with a partner, and often report insufficient social support even decades later. The impacts go beyond immediate peer interactions, affecting family life, professional networking, and broader community involvement. Feelings of isolation and difficulty relating to others are commonly reported into late adulthood.​

Physical Health Problems

Chronic stress resulting from bullying can manifest in physical symptoms such as headaches, gastrointestinal issues, bodily pain, and slower recovery from illness. Importantly, adverse childhood experiences like bullying have been tied to increased risk for cardiovascular conditions and general poor health, which persist even when controlling for other childhood adversities.​

Economic and Educational Impacts

Individuals who were bullied in childhood often attain lower educational qualifications and have a harder time with financial management. Studies indicate they are more likely to be unemployed or underemployed, earn less, and struggle to maintain stable jobs compared to peers who were not bullied. These economic consequences further reinforce cycles of stress and decreased wellbeing.​

Increased Risk for Suicidality

Heightened rates of suicidal ideation, attempts, and—tragically—completed suicides have been documented among adults who were bullied as children. The risk is particularly notable among individuals who were frequently or severely bullied, and among those whose bullying was chronic and unaddressed.​

Lasting Impact

The harmful consequences of bullying often rival or exceed those linked to other forms of childhood adversity and abuse, with studies documenting these effects up to 40 years later. The severity and duration of bullying directly correlate with worse outcomes.​

These findings underscore the critical need for early and sustained intervention, as well as supportive environments that promote healing and resilience for survivors throughout their lives.​

What Can Be Done to Support Victims?

Understanding the impact of bullying on mental health highlights the importance of early intervention and ongoing support.

Creating Safe Environments

Schools and communities must create safe, inclusive environments where bullying is not tolerated. Clear policies, staff training, and student education can reduce bullying incidents.

Providing Mental Health Resources

Access to counseling and mental health services is vital for victims. Support groups, therapy, and crisis intervention can help individuals process their experiences and build resilience.

Encouraging Open Communication

Parents and caregivers should encourage open dialogue about bullying. Listening without judgment and validating feelings can empower victims to seek help.

Promoting Social Skills and Empathy

Programs that teach empathy, conflict resolution, and social skills can reduce bullying behavior and help victims rebuild confidence.

Final Thoughts on Bullying and Mental Health

The evidence is clear: bullying has serious, lasting effects on mental health. It increases the risk of anxiety, depression, PTSD symptoms, and suicide. These impacts can persist into adulthood, affecting many areas of life.

Addressing bullying requires a community effort focused on prevention, support, and healing. By recognizing the mental health consequences and taking action, we can help victims recover and create safer spaces for everyone.

This blog is intended for informational use only and should not be considered medical or mental health advice. If you or someone you know is experiencing mental health challenges or a crisis, please seek professional help immediately.