Bullying’s Echo by Aya Nadim

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May 11, 2024

by Aya Nadim

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Never would I have believed, during the years of bullying I endured, how prolonged the negative psychological effects would be.

We’re all familiar with the typical ramifications of bullying – the heavy, negative emotional toll, the somatic symptoms of psychological distress, and so on. Those scars might seem ephemeral. However, it’s crucial to recognize how bullying can leave a life-long impact, reshaping one’s brain chemistry for the worse.

In my own experience, I grew up in an environment where there was always someone ready to tear you down.
I found myself swept up in this culture. Throughout middle and high school, it was constantly shoved into my brain that everything I did was wrong or embarrassing. Whether it was pursuing my passion for singing or simply having a crush on somebody,

it was all frowned upon. Over time, I began to internalize voices.

Due to this wiring in my mind, I currently struggle to acknowledge the value my own achievements. I constantly compare my abilities to others’, reminiscent of the times when I felt undeserving of genuine friendships, only expecting betrayal,

blaming myself for the premise of who I am. It’s a dejecting reality that I’ve come to acknowledge, one I’m desperate to change.

Releasing the grip of being bullied feels akin to shedding a heavy suit of armor that has become fused to my skin.

It’s as if this armor, forged from past pain and criticism, has enveloped me for so long that I’ve grown accustomed to its weight. However, beneath its suffocating layers lies the real me, waiting to emerge and embrace life without the burden of past torment.

Yet, the thought of discarding this armor fills me with apprehension, as it raises uncertainties about navigating the world without its familiar shield.

But deep down, I know that’s not true. I know that I’m so much more than the sum of my past experiences.

And letting go of this pain doesn’t mean I’m invalidating what happened to me.

It is indeed frightening to confront the unknown. But in doing so, we unlock a profound sense of liberation.
Remember, within you lies the power to rewrite your story and embrace a future filled with possibility and self-empowerment.