My Thoughts: Bullying, Abuse and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

Imagine how this minion feels now. 😦 [🖼️❗️]

It looks like I’m really productive today! Posting TWO posts in a single day even though the plan was to post once a week? WOW!

Ahem, shameless self-praising aside…

I know this isn’t exactly a chipper topic. When is abuse or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) a chipper topic? It’s something that isn’t often highlighted in the news, or when it is, it feels like the news article is written in a way to maximise the “POW!” feeling to to the heart, especially for HSPs – this is one reason why I stopped reading news and prefer to read other source of information like blogs and informational articles.

Before we go on, I’d like to say I’m not an expert on psychology – I’m just an avid reader of online informational articles – and I’m one of the lucky ones who didn’t encounter or bullying / abuse at school. Like many people, the only times I see it is through various news stories (some too close to home) and many non-news stories (both fiction and non-fiction).

But, I believe we don’t have to be a target of abuse or bullying in order to understand the damage it does.

Vitamin manga. Cover from MangaUpdates

If you like reading comics, I’d recommend Vitamin [🆎❗️][❣️❗️], a Japanese comic (manga). The story is about a high school girl being ostracised and bullied at school (very badly, I should say), who later directs all her stress to drawing manga. It’s a bit heart-wrenching, but it helps us to understand how it feels like to be on the receiving end.

I’d recommend another, except I’ve read so many (hundreds!) that it’ll take time for me to find it. 😛

Also, something non-fiction this time, I’d like to share a video from a fellow blogger Rosie Burnham @ Finding a Voice Between the Silence [❣️❗️], who has bravely spoken up to spread awareness against PTSD, mental illness and abuse at schools (thanks for sharing, Rosie!).

(Click here if the video isn’t loading.)

Do take the time to at least watch the video – it’s less than 7 minutes, less than the time taken to make hard-boiled eggs!

Or if you’d like to know more details, here are some articles from experts (that aren’t me, of course):

• Psychology Today: Child Bullying’s Consequence: Adult PTSD
• Slate: How Being Bullied Affects Your Adulthood

And if you’d like to know even more, please consult Uncle Google. 🙂

~Nicolle ❤️

A Short Self-Compassionate Letter

Dear Self,

I’m glad you decided to share the video despite it being out of your usual comfort zone; it shows how much you’ve grown confidence-wise! Do pat yourself on the back; you’ve earned it. 🙂