There is help out there
"Bullying can lead to serious issues including depression, anxiety, trauma and even suicide," says Naazia Ismail, project manager of the South African Depression and Anxiety Group (SADAG).
Bullying has a long-term effect on children who find it difficult to cope with life.
“We are hearing of more cases from learners, parents and teachers who are reporting cases of bullying and have all seen videos of bullying circulating the internet or press and media,” says Naazia, and adds “cyber bullying is also becoming a big problem as it now allows anyone with access to a smart phone or internet to become the bully and target anyone that they know.
The bully can now humiliate and shame any person using the internet where just one post can stay online forever and continue to embarrass, humiliate and shame a person.
It is definitely a trigger or contributing factor for anyone to feel helpless, hopeless and even depressed.
Bullying can lead to serious issues such as depression, anxiety, trauma and even suicide.
Naaizia says it is very important to treat bullying immediately and get the right professional help as soon as possible.
She believes bullying at schools is on the increase and is a trigger or contributing factor for anyone to feel helpless, hopeless and even depressed.
Bullying has long-term effects and consequences, therefore it is important to treat bullying immediately and get the right professional help as soon as possible.
She says parents may at times overlook changes in their children’s social interaction as well as in their school performance.
These are often indicators that something may be impacting negatively on a teenager’s life and should be addressed immediately.
Parents can assist their children through proper communication in order to easily identify when their children are experiencing symptoms of depression.
They shouldn’t dismiss their teenagers emotions, but rather engage in discussion with them and provide them with support as well as options for counselling and help.
“The earlier that the symptoms are identified, the easier it will be to manage and maintain,” says Naazia.
If parents know more about depression and its signs, they can probably prevent their child from committing suicide.
Reach out and ask for help immediately.
SADAG is available Monday to Sunday from 8am to 8pm on 0800 21 22 23.
