It matters more what you think of yourself than what others think of you. It is the foundation of self-esteem or the assurance of one’s worth or skills.
Consider what you do at work. Do you believe you can perform at a high level without a healthy sense of self-esteem? At school, too. How likely are you to succeed if you are self-conscious and doubtful of your abilities? Even for romantic relationships, this is true.
One well-known psychological concept emphasizes the significance of self-esteem. According to this theory, our need for esteem is one of the most fundamental human needs.
The concept is from Abraham Maslow’s theory of needs, which outlines our five most basic needs. According to him, self-esteem is one of our most crucial components.
Indeed, everyone benefits from having a healthy sense of self-esteem. Yet, there is something that can erode a person’s self-esteem. It deprives its victims of this basic need, potentially affecting them not only now but also in the future. This thing is bullying.
It is how some define the heinous act of bullying. It’s when a person or group in a position of power acts with aggression against another. The goal is to intimidate, coerce, or abuse another person or group.
The result of this is to cause physical or emotional harm. As earlier noted, the intent and results of this cruel behavior are to damage a person’s self-esteem.
Unfortunately, we can’t always stop a bully as fast as we want to. Yet, victims in this tragic situation can still protect themselves. One crucial approach to do so is to keep your self-esteem in the face of adversity.
How can you do this? Let’s find out:
1. Don’t let the bully in. Experts say that the goal of bullies is to either diminish you or elevate yourself. They may say hurtful things to you, or things designed to make you doubt your intelligence, appearance, or worth. Keep in mind that a bully is never right.
● Remember that while people may say whatever they want, you do not have to accept it. Learn to disregard what the bully says about you, even if it’s complicated.
● Make a mental fortress in which you can store your views about yourself. Don’t let the bully in, no matter how many times or how loud they knock.
2. Learn to look after yourself. You could believe you did something wrong to become a victim of bullying. You may also despise yourself for being unable to defend yourself against bullying. Please keep in mind that this is an incorrect viewpoint.
● You are not to blame. Instead, you deserve sympathy and care as a victim. You are one of the best people to help yourself with this.
● Face your feelings head-on and take charge of making yourself feel better. Relax by doing something enjoyable. Hang out with people you know will support you and make you feel better.
● Ensure you get adequate rest, eat healthily, and exercise to keep fit. Dress in clothes that make you feel and look beautiful.
● Regardless of what you are going through, taking care of yourself will help you feel better. It will increase your self-confidence.
3. Appreciate yourself. The bully may try to draw attention to your weaknesses. When this occurs, fight fire with fire by bringing your strengths to the fore. Remind yourself of what you enjoy about yourself and treat yourself as you would a friend.
● Appreciate the positive features of yourself and treat yourself with kindness. Your self-esteem will not suffer because of this but will grow despite being a victim of bullying.
4. Talk to someone who cares. You might not always be able to give yourself what you need to feel better. Talk to someone who can help you if you feel overwhelmed by what you’re going through.
● A pleasant word from a buddy can help you feel better about yourself. Confide with your parents. They may help you put things into perspective and assure you of your self-worth. Also, if you feel the need for expert help, don’t be afraid to seek it.
● Speaking with the proper person could be like applying balm to your wounds. It will ease your pain while also boosting your self-esteem. Even better, those you speak to might help end the bullying you are going through.
Being a victim of bullying is a difficult situation to be in. Maintaining your self-esteem will protect you from the short and long-term effects as you stop it. As you do, you will not only defeat your bullies, but you will succeed in life as well.
