Depression is the lowest point a target can be driven to. Targets of bullying who are depressed have been bullied and beaten down so much, for so long that they’ve progressed downward.
First, these targets were weakened and made to feel inadequate. As the bullying continued, and, more than likely escalated, they next began to feel helpless and hopeless. As time progressed as did the bullying, these targets were driven even lower until they felt resigned. And once they felt resigned, they then sank into depression.
Why is Depression so bad?
It’ because it comes from a feeling of powerlessness. When you feel as if you have power over nothing- when you feel as if your life has been set to autopilot, it’s the epitome of hell on earth.
A depressed target doesn’t fight back because he/she has been worn down. Therefore, they resign themselves after so long. The target has been knocked down by his bullies (and life in general) too many times and they’ve finally given up. The target feels that no matter what he does and how hard he tries to remedy his circumstances, life only comes at him that much harder through his bullies.
Once a target of bullying reaches the point of severe depression, he loses the will to fight. For example, a bully will insult him, and the target will only become more depressed instead of angry. The reason for this is that the target has been brainwashed over time, by repeated and relentless attacks, to believe that he somehow deserves it, can do nothing about it, and is at the mercy of his bullies.
Bullies love picking on the depressed because they’re least likely to push back. Depressed targets see the bullying they suffer as proof of how undesirable and undeserving of happiness they are.
Understand that people who are depressed have already been diminished, so, the bullies don’t have to work so hard to bring them down. That work has already been accomplished. Therefore, all the bullies have to do is keep the target diminished. After all, it’s much easier (and a lot less time consuming) to keep someone down than it is to bring them down. It’s always easier to maintain something than to change it.
Depressed targets have often been run over by so may people that their interactions with others leave them with the belief that they’re inferior to everybody. They have such a sense of inferiority and undesirability and they often misinterpret gestures from others.
They mistake a genuine smile for pity, neutrality for aloofness, and a frown for rejection or contempt.
Targets who are depressed consciously or subconsciously berate themselves because the bullying and abuse they’ve suffered for so long and, in many cases, still suffer, has reshaped their thinking, feelings, self-evaluations, and self-belief.
I tell you these things because I was there once, and it was the lowest point of my life. And this post is for those who DO NOT understand what bullying can do and who DON’T understand depression and the sheer hell of it. Many people have been there, they understand. But sadly, there are also many who’ve never battled it and don’t understand it.
The effects of bullying and the depression it brings is heartbreaking because the target has been broken and may either remain that way, or spend years, even decades, mending and healing. But know that the target can heal.
Understand that this may require a lot of therapy, but they can reprogram themselves to regain their confidence and feel good again. They can take their lives back.
It won’t be easy. In fact, it will be hard, even exhausting at times, but will be worth it later. If you are battling depression brought about by bullying, or anything else, such as the loss of a loved one, loss of a job, accident, injury, or any traumatic event, know that there are people who care and can help you. You are not alone and it’s okay to not be okay.
I’m sending warm and loving thoughts and prayers your way!
Excellent post Cherie and once again you seem to be speaking directly to me. What made my depression worse was the fact that only recently people stopped blaming the victim for the bullying they were receiving. It was my fault for either being too weird or not standing up for myself.
I can understand. We didn’t get that luxury. But! At least people are beginning to wake up , so it’s progress. My heart goes out to you and I pray that your depression leaves you and you feel better. 🤗
The depression left me many years ago. Counselling helped and writing my book gave me the biggest lift.
I hear you there. Writing my book was the best decision I ever made.
Sounds familiar… 🙁
Too familiar. 🙂
Cherie, it is my opinion that depression that deep is hard to recognize. What I mean is, when you are that depressed you tell yourself that this is normal, so get use to it. Again, just my thoughts Cherie.
Yes you do, Dwain. Exactly. You feel helpless. You’re worn out. So, you convince yourself that it’s normal and you lose the will to fight.
This was such a powerful read, I really felt your words. Glad to not be a target of bullying anymore but it’s a long road and the depression doesn’t just go away
I completely understand. The trauma from bullying is not an easy or quick thing to heal from. It takes many years. Thank you so much for your lovely comment. 😍
If you liked it please share
Will do!
https://austingreenj1633.com/2021/06/11/christian-depression/
Great post, Austin! And wow! I didn’t know that depression was necessarily a sin! Thank you for recommending your post! 🙂
Thank you! I have a few more post that have been shared across the world please check them out and share! Subscribe so you don’t miss another post
I sure will. I’m on my phone now but I’ll have to subscribe when I get home to my desktop.
Also
I would appreciate it if you took a look at my recent blog post titled “When God is off the grid” check it out here!
https://austingreenj1633.com/2021/07/12/when-god-is-off-the-grid/
I sure will. 🙂