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Social rejection is especially hurtful because it is a rejection of who you are. To imagine the grieve, liken it to losing a most treasured possession – your savings, the roof over your head, a part of your body, or even a loved person. Now, the pain of being bullied is the pain of losing your most treasured self – your own identity.

Be it physical abuse, verbal taunting, shameful teasing or even cyber bullying, social rejection destroys one’s confidence at the core of who he is. The result of which could even be that the victim rejects himself. From then on, he might take on a persona quite unlike him, so as to gain acceptance.

But a rejection of self is never the way to go. The perceived short term gains often do not last, and it might be at the expense of long term peace and self satisfaction. Even if we gain acceptance by putting on a false front, we will continue to doubt that we can be accepted for who we truly are. After all, it is the false image that we put up for ourselves that’s gaining affection isn’t it? Such a person becomes incapable of feeling loved and slides deeper into confusion, disconnectedness and even psychiatric illnesses like depression.

What is helpful, other than addressing the bullying situation, is to work on restoring and reaffirming the victim’s identity. Parents, avoid labeling your children negatively. Teachers, do not think that the odd student in the corner is fine being isolated on his own. Nothing beats telling a kid to have confidence in himself than the fact that he has friends. Nothing teaches a kid how to socialize better than real social settings with friendly and sensitive people around him. Wonderfully Made organizes a series of social escapes to allow children to socialize in a safe facilitated environment. To find out more, click here!