D. Danger, Depression & Doctors. Bullying

Don't underestimate the danger of bullying to your long term health. The bully has been enjoying this way of life for many years and is masterful at avoiding responsibility for his/her actions. You on the other hand may have dealt with normal (relatively!) people. You may naively fall into the trap of wondering if you did something wrong or is you were responsible is some way.

You might become hyper-vigilant
(Photo: Eastside Gallery Berlin 2009).

Unfortunately due to the extreme stress you may be experiencing, it is very possible to have some dysfunctional thoughts, and begin to almost believe you are responsible for the events. This sounds odd unless you've been through this with someone know very well and trust. The bully is able to manipulate and undermine your confidence in yourself.

In my layman's terms, your brain suffers a kind of paralysis and goes into protective mode, bits begin to shut down as you stress more and more. (This is in no way a medical explanation. For the science behind it you will need to get information from a neuroscientist or other professional experienced in the area).

Depression is very common amongst those who have been bullied, and whilst it is situational or reactive (caused directly by events in your workplace, place of worship, home, sporting-club or school) the long term effects can also be dreadful, with panic attacks and susceptibility to ill-health including disrupted sleep for many years after the event.

You may not be sleeping well, and may also react by eating poorly and exercising less, this can become a vicious cycle which is difficult to break and which doesn't help the situation at all.

Doctors are also vulnerable to bullying from others in the profession who enjoy dominance, power and the feeling that they are always right. Junior doctors in particular may be disempowered, being required to work unhealthily long shifts which puts both them and their patients in danger. See here for further information.


Whilst it may seem a bit flippant given the topic, I love this picture of a healthy brain showing right and left hemispheres.  In my vision of a suffering brain, the sides don't connect properly, the right hemisphere is clouded by dark, gloomy and threatening storms with lightning strikes, floods, general mayhem and has been damaged by the constant attacks. The left side has become wizened, rigid and brittle.

(I would like to attribute this brilliant diagram to the correct owner, but unfortunately I don't know where it came from. If anyone knows could you please tell me.)

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Here tomorrow: Evidence & Ethical behaviour


There are many outstanding resources on line. A couple I find useful are Bullying. No way! an Australian resource for teachers and students, and a UK site Bully On Line. This is in no way an exhaustive list, and each country will no doubt have equally good or more relevant websites. If you're being bullied please seek advice from a professional health care practitioner experienced in this area.



Over at jumpingaground I'm spending the month Drabbling using alliteration, mostly with a climate related theme.
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