We can’t be told what our trauma is, how we should respond to our trauma, or how we need to resolve our trauma. Bullying experienced in childhood is nothing less than traumatic. Research has found that bullying can lead to anxiety, depression, chronic stress, body image issues, eating disorders, and much more. Kids are animals of social survival, like any human being. When one member of their social environment goes beyond measure to make sure they don’t feel a sense of belongingness, the repercussions are endless. Dealing with bullying is hard, at any age. Kids are still forming their emotional foundation, gaining emotional skills, and building their sense of self. Blunt interruptions to this process take a structural toll on children’s still developing brains. As a result, kids who experience bullying trauma are at higher risk for developing mental illnesses like depression long-term.
Unfortunately, some children are more prone to bullying than others. Meaning, some children are more prone to experiencing social trauma early in life than others. A new study published in Pediatrics focused on the long term effects of bullying on kids. Youth who identify as gay, lesbian, bisexual, or questioning their sexual identity, experience cyberbullying more often than their peers. Additionally, they are not satisfied with their family relationships, which are frequently strained when kids choose sexual identities which do not fit heteronormative standards. Rejection from peers and rejection from family at a young formative age is traumatizing. This deeply personal trauma, the research found, has a long lasting effect.
Transgender youth are at greater risk for depression than their peers, in addition to ADD, and other emotional or mental complications which can include suicidal thoughts, according to The Inquirer of Philadelphia. Problematically, these youth are made to feel like they are unable to have their needs met. Consequently, they live with medical needs which go untreated. Minors in particular have to weigh the risk of a medical practitioner “outing” them to family members or school officials.
Trauma in childhood translates to trauma in adulthood, which, sadly, may not be free of trauma for adults who identify on the LGBTQ+ rainbow. With a greater risk for mental illness, there is a greater need for mental health care. Trauma does not discriminate. Neither should treatment. At The Guest House Ocala, everyone is welcome with open arms. Our residential treatment programs are custom designed on a concierge level of service to meet the unique needs of each guest. Call us today for information on our private programs: 1-855-483-7800