A woman looks visibly upset as she lowers her head after a fight
Published March 30, 2025

Healing from Bullying: Mental Health Challenges and Ways to Cope

Bullying is more than just hurt feelings – it can leave deep emotional scars. If you’re a teenager or young adult who has been bullied, you’re not alone, and what you feel is valid. Bullying can affect your mental health in serious ways, leading to issues like anxiety, depression, or even trauma. The good news is that with understanding, support, and the right strategies (including some tools you might not have considered, like hypnotherapy), you can heal and regain your confidence. This post will explore why bullying impacts mental health, share insights from recent studies, and offer practical, evidence-based tips to help you or someone you care about cope.

Bullying Is More Common Than You Think

Bullying can happen to anyone – and it happens more often than many people realize. In the United States, about 1 in 5 students between ages 12 and 18 report being bullied at school (Facts About Bullying | StopBullying.gov). When you include all forms of bullying (like cyberbullying outside of school), the numbers are even higher. A recent national survey found that roughly one-third of teenagers (34%) had experienced some form of bullying in the past year (Products – Data Briefs – Number 514 – October 2024). These statistics show that if you’ve been bullied, you are far from alone – many of your peers have gone through similar pain.

Bullying isn’t just playground teasing. It can be physical, verbal, or social. Physical bullying might involve hitting or pushing, while verbal bullying includes name-calling or threats. Social or “relational” bullying could mean being excluded from groups or having rumors spread about you. And today, cyberbullying – bullying through text messages, social media, or other online platforms – is a big issue. Over 20% of bullied students say they were bullied online or by text (Bullying Statistics – National Bullying Prevention Center). Cyberbullying can feel relentless because it can happen anytime, even when you’re not face-to-face with the bully. No matter the form it takes, bullying is harmful and never okay.

(Study finds childhood bullying linked to distrust and mental health problems in adolescence | UCLA Health)Bullying often leaves young people feeling isolated, ashamed, or anxious. Being targeted by bullies can shake your confidence and sense of safety. In fact, students who are bullied commonly report that it negatively affects how they feel about themselves. In one survey, 27.8% of bullied students said that bullying most hurt their self-esteem and feelings about themselves (Bullying Statistics – National Bullying Prevention Center). It’s important to remember that these experiences are not your fault. The statistics make it clear: bullying is a widespread problem, which is why understanding its impact is so crucial.

The Mental Health Toll of Bullying

Being bullied isn’t “just a part of growing up.” Research shows it can have serious effects on mental health. If you’ve been bullied, you might be experiencing persistent sadness, worry, or even symptoms of depression or anxiety. You’re not imagining it – bullying and mental health struggles are strongly connected. Teenagers who’ve been bullied are much more likely to have symptoms of anxiety or depression than those who haven’t been bullied. For example, one recent Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) survey found that nearly 29.8% of bullied teens had recent anxiety symptoms, compared to 14.5% of teens who weren’t bullied (Products – Data Briefs – Number 514 – October 2024). Likewise, 28.5% of bullied teens showed signs of depression, versus 12.1% of non-bullied teens (Products – Data Briefs – Number 514 – October 2024). In other words, bullying roughly doubles the risk of feeling anxious or depressed.

These numbers are backed up by other studies around the world. A 2023 scientific review combining results from 31 studies found that children and adolescents who were bullied had about 2.7 times higher risk of developing depression than those who weren’t bullied (Meta-analysis of the relationship between bullying and depressive symptoms in children and adolescents | BMC Psychiatry | Full Text). Imagine something nearly tripling the odds of a serious mental health issue – that’s the impact bullying can have. It’s not just depression and anxiety, either. Bullying can be so traumatic that some people experience post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)-like symptoms. In fact, research indicates a significant number of bullied teens show trauma symptoms: between 30% and 40% of bullied teenagers exhibit clinical levels of PTSD symptoms (Frontiers | Bullying Victimization and Trauma). This means that the hurt from bullying can stick around long after the bullying has stopped, causing nightmares, flashbacks, or constant fear, much like other forms of severe trauma.

Why does bullying hit so hard, especially for young people? One reason is that our teen years and young adulthood are when we’re figuring out who we are and how we fit in. Bullying attacks someone’s self-worth right during this vulnerable time. It can make you start to believe the cruel things others say about you. Over time, this constant stress and fear can change how your brain and body respond – you might be on edge all the time, expecting something bad to happen. Studies have shown that being bullied can even affect how much you trust other people. For example, a recent long-term study found that teens who were bullied as kids and as a result became very distrustful of others were 3.5 times more likely to develop serious mental health problems by age 17 (Study finds childhood bullying linked to distrust and mental health problems in adolescence | UCLA Health). This shows how bullying can damage one’s ability to form healthy relationships – you might start to put up walls or assume everyone will hurt you, which can lead to loneliness and more anxiety.

It’s also worth noting that some groups of teens face bullying more frequently, which in turn affects their mental health. For instance, LGBTQ+ youth and teens with disabilities report higher rates of being bullied, and this added stress contributes to higher rates of sadness and mental health struggles in those groups (Bullying Statistics – National Bullying Prevention Center) (Bullying Statistics – National Bullying Prevention Center). But no matter who you are, being bullied can harm your mental health. The effects can include:

  • Depression and Anxiety: Ongoing feelings of sadness, hopelessness, worry, or panic. Bullying victims often report increased depression and anxiety, sometimes lasting into later life (Bullying Statistics – National Bullying Prevention Center).
  • Low Self-Esteem: Bullying can make you feel worthless or doubt your own value. You might start to believe the insults, which isn’t true – but it can feel very real.
  • Trouble Sleeping or Concentrating: Many bullied teens have difficulty sleeping, or they’re so anxious that focusing on schoolwork is hard. Some even see their grades drop as a result of bullying.
  • Isolation: Bullying can make you withdraw from friends or activities you used to enjoy, because you’re afraid of being judged or hurt. This isolation can worsen feelings of depression.
  • Physical Symptoms: Stress from bullying can show up as headaches, stomach aches, or other health complaints. The mind-body connection is strong – emotional pain often causes physical pain too.

The bottom line is that bullying is a serious threat to young people’s mental well-being. It’s not something to brush off. If you’re feeling any of these effects, know that your reaction is a common human response to being treated cruelly. And importantly, help is available to overcome these challenges.

Unique Challenges for Teens and Young Adults

Bullying can affect anyone, but teens and young adults often face unique challenges from these experiences. During adolescence and early adulthood, you’re forming your identity, building friendships and romantic relationships, and gaining independence. Bullying during this phase can derail some of that healthy development. Here are a few ways young people, in particular, are impacted:

  • Identity and Self-Worth: The teenage years are when you’re figuring out who you are. Being bullied – whether for how you look, how you act, or who you love – can cause you to question your identity. You might start to think, “What’s wrong with me?” even though the truth is nothing is wrong with you. It’s the bully who is in the wrong. Still, it can be hard not to internalize those attacks. Young adults who were bullied in their teens sometimes carry forward a shaky self-esteem into college or the workplace, needing time to rebuild their confidence.
  • Social Life and Trust: Friendships are incredibly important in adolescence. Bullying can shatter trust and make it scary to socialize. If someone you thought was a friend turns on you, or if classmates gang up and spread rumors, it’s natural to put up walls. Many teens who are bullied feel unsafe even around people who aren’t bullies, simply because their ability to trust has been damaged. As noted earlier, developing a strong distrust of others after being bullied can greatly increase the risk of later mental health issues (Study finds childhood bullying linked to distrust and mental health problems in adolescence | UCLA Health). Learning to trust again can be a big part of healing (we’ll talk about ways to do this in the coping section).
  • School and Future Plans: School should be a place to learn and grow, but bullying makes it a source of dread. Some teens avoid school due to bullying, which can hurt their education. Lower grades, difficulty participating in class, or dropping out can result. Young adults who recall severe high school bullying might even feel anxious in college classes or job settings, worried about encountering similar bullying. It’s a hurdle to overcome at a time when you should be focusing on your goals and dreams.
  • Pressure to Stay Silent: Teenagers sometimes don’t tell anyone about being bullied. You might worry that adults won’t take you seriously, or fear retaliation from bullies if you “snitch.” There’s also a stigma – no one wants to be seen as a victim. Young adults, too, may feel like they should be “over it” and hesitate to seek help for lingering trauma from past bullying. This reluctance can make the mental health impact worse over time. In reality, talking to someone you trust is one of the best things you can do – but the pressure to tough it out alone is a real challenge many young people face.

Understanding these unique challenges is important. It reminds you (or your friend/child) that recovering from bullying is not as simple as “just ignore them.” The effects can cut deep during our formative years. The next section will focus on how to start healing those wounds and regaining control of your life and happiness.

Healthy Coping Strategies for Recovery

Recovering from the experience of being bullied takes time, but there are concrete steps you can take to maintain your well-being and start feeling better. Here are some practical, evidence-based strategies to cope and heal:

  1. Reach Out for Support: You don’t have to go through this alone. Talk to someone you trust about what you’re feeling – a friend, parent, mentor, or counselor. Sharing your experience with a supportive person can immediately make you feel less alone and overwhelmed. In fact, having supportive friends or family can buffer some of the negative effects of bullying by providing comfort and reassurance. Even if it feels hard to open up, consider that roughly 44% of students do tell a trusted adult about bullying (Bullying Statistics – National Bullying Prevention Center) – and it often helps. You might say, “I’ve been having a hard time because some people have been bullying me, and I need someone to talk to.” It can be a huge relief to let it out. If face-to-face is too hard, even texting or writing a letter to someone about it is a good start. Remember, you are not burdening others – people who care about you want to help. There are also support groups (in person or online) where you can connect with others who’ve been through bullying. Sometimes just knowing “I’m not the only one” makes a difference.
  2. Seek Professional Help (Therapy): If bullying has left you with intense anxiety, depression, or trauma symptoms, talking to a mental health professional can be life-changing. Therapists are trained to help you work through painful experiences in a healthy way. For example, cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) can teach you how to challenge negative thoughts about yourself that the bullying might have planted, and replace them with healthier ones. A therapist can also teach coping skills for panic attacks, sadness, or anger stemming from bullying. Don’t think that you have to be “crazy” or “broken” to go to therapy – that’s a myth. Therapy is simply support and guidance from someone who understands mental health. Group therapy or support groups can be especially helpful for people recovering from bullying. In a group setting, you might meet other teens who have similar feelings, and together you learn ways to cope. Having peers who get it can rebuild your sense of belonging. “While individual therapy can be helpful, it’s also important to know that you’re not alone. Group therapy is another way to learn coping skills — in a safe space with others who have experienced bullying,” notes one mental health article (Bullying and Therapy: How It Helps Victims and Bullies Alike). Whether individual or group, therapy provides a confidential, non-judgmental space to heal. If you’re in school or college, you can usually access a counselor for free. There are also hotlines and text lines staffed by counselors for immediate help.
  3. Practice Mindfulness and Relaxation: When you’ve been bullied, stress and negative thoughts can take over your mind. Mindfulness techniques – like meditation, deep breathing exercises, or yoga – can help you find some calm in the storm. Mindfulness is about focusing on the present moment and accepting your feelings without judgment. It might sound a little “out there,” but there’s growing evidence that it helps. One study found that mindfulness techniques reduced the impact of depression on bullying victims, acting like a buffer against some of the harm (Considering Mindfulness Techniques in School-based Anti-bullying Programmes | Foody | Journal of New Approaches in Educational Research). Simply put, learning to calm your mind can reduce the power of the bullying memories. You can start small: try a deep breathing exercise where you inhale slowly for 4 seconds, hold for 4, exhale for 4. This can signal your body to relax when you’re feeling anxious. Meditation apps or YouTube videos for stress relief can guide you through short practices. Over time, these habits can lower your overall anxiety and improve your mood. As you practice mindfulness or relaxation, you may regain a sense of control over your thoughts – instead of the bullying defining how you feel, you start to decide how to respond to your feelings.
  4. Stay Active and Take Care of Your Body: It might surprise you how much exercise and physical activity can improve mental health. When you’re depressed or anxious, exercise can be tough to start, but it really does help your brain. Research shows that being active releases natural chemicals in your brain that make you feel happier and less stressed ( Depression and anxiety: Exercise eases symptoms – Mayo Clinic ) ( Depression and anxiety: Exercise eases symptoms – Mayo Clinic ). Even a simple walk, a bike ride, or dancing in your room to music you love can lift your mood. One study of teens found that exercise led to moderate improvements in depression – meaning those who got moving felt better than those who didn’t (Can exercise help relieve teen depression? – Harvard Health). You don’t need to become a star athlete; just aim for regular activities you enjoy. It could be shooting hoops, jogging, skateboarding, or going to the gym – whatever gets your body moving. Exercise also improves sleep, and good sleep helps a ton with mood and stress. Along with exercise, try to keep some healthy routines: regular sleep schedule, some balanced meals (bullying can mess with appetite, but try to give your body nourishment). It sounds basic, but these things build your resilience. Feeling physically stronger and healthier can translate into emotional strength. It’s like giving your brain the fuel it needs to handle stress. Plus, doing active things can sometimes introduce you to new friends or supportive communities (like a sports team, a dance class, or a hiking group), which circles back to having supportive people in your life.
  5. Engage in Hobbies and Positive Activities: Bullying can make you want to pull back from the world, but one of the best ways to heal is to do things that make you feel good about yourself. Think about activities that you enjoy or used to enjoy – art, music, writing, gaming, coding, playing an instrument, cooking, volunteering, you name it. Make time for those passions or try new ones. Hobbies act like therapy in their own way: they distract you from negative thoughts and give you a sense of achievement. For example, if you love drawing or writing, expressing your feelings through art or journaling can be a great release (many teens find it easier to pour feelings onto a page). If you’re into gaming or coding, those can be social outlets and confidence boosters as you improve your skills. Volunteering for a cause you care about can also help rebuild a sense of purpose and self-worth – helping others reminds you that you matter and can make a difference. Whatever you choose, positive activities fill your time with positivity and reduce the ruminating (endlessly thinking about the bullying). They can remind you that bullying is just one part of your story, not your whole identity. You’re a multi-talented person with interests and gifts. By leaning into those, you reclaim control over your narrative.
  6. Use Positive Self-Talk and Affirmations: The cruel words of bullies can become an “inner voice” that haunts you – but you can fight back against that inner bully. Try practicing positive self-talk. This means intentionally telling yourself kind, encouraging things, even if it feels awkward at first. For example, if you catch yourself thinking, “I’m worthless” (because that’s what the bully said), consciously stop and reframe it: “I do have worth. I am kind, I am strong, I care about others.” It might help to write down a list of positive qualities about yourself and read it often. Some people use affirmations, which are short positive statements, like “I deserve respect” or “I believe in myself,” and repeat them daily. It might sound cheesy, but these techniques can gradually build your self-esteem back up. There’s even a bit of science behind it – positive self-affirmations have been shown to reduce stress and improve problem-solving in stressful situations by reminding you of your values and strengths. Essentially, you’re retraining your brain to be kinder to itself. Remember: the goal is not to ignore what happened or pretend everything is fine, but to not let the bully’s voice become your own voice. Replacing negative thoughts (“Maybe the bully is right about me”) with more compassionate thoughts (“No one deserves to be bullied; I am worthy of love and respect”) is a powerful form of mental resilience. Over time, your self-talk can become a source of comfort instead of pain.
  7. Plan for Flashbacks or Triggers: If the bullying was severe, you might experience “triggers” – things that suddenly remind you of the bullying and cause a rush of fear or sadness. It could be seeing the bully at school, or a place where an incident happened, or even a particular phrase or social media post. It helps to have a coping plan for these moments. Some strategies include: practicing the deep breathing or grounding techniques (like noticing things around you to stay present) when a trigger happens, having a friend you can text or call right away to talk it out, or using positive imagery (e.g., picturing a safe place or envisioning your future where this moment is behind you). Remind yourself that a trigger is just a memory – you are safe now. If you’re comfortable, you can also talk to a school counselor or teacher about ways to avoid or handle encounters with bullies (for example, a teacher can intervene if harassment occurs in class). Knowing ahead of time how to cope with triggers gives you back some power – the bully doesn’t get to sneak up on your emotions as easily.

Everyone’s path to recovery is different. You might find some of these strategies more helpful than others, and that’s okay. The key is to take action – even small steps – toward caring for your mental health. Over time, these positive steps build on each other. Healing doesn’t mean you’ll forget what happened, but the painful memories will fade and lose their grip on your daily life. With support and self-care, you will start to regain confidence, trust, and joy.

Hypnotherapy: How It Works and How It Can Help

One recovery tool you might not have considered is hypnotherapy – the use of hypnosis for therapeutic purposes. When you hear “hypnosis,” you might imagine stage magicians or cartoonish scenes of people clucking like chickens. Real clinical hypnotherapy is nothing like that. It’s a legitimate therapy method that has helped many people with anxiety, trauma, and other issues. Let’s break down what hypnotherapy actually is, how it might help someone recovering from bullying, and address some common worries you may have about it.

What is hypnotherapy? In simple terms, hypnotherapy is a technique that uses guided relaxation, concentration, and focused attention to achieve a heightened state of awareness (often called a trance). In this relaxed, focused state, you’re more open to positive suggestions – the therapist can help you visualize and internalize healthier ways of thinking and feeling (What is Hypnotherapy and Can it Help You? – Body & Mind Online). It’s a bit like when you’re super absorbed in a good movie or book; you’re very focused, and your mind might react strongly to it (ever felt your heart pounding during a scary movie?). In hypnosis, you’re deliberately entering a calm, absorbed state. A trained hypnotherapist might start by helping you relax your body (for instance, by breathing deeply, listening to soothing words), then guide you to imagine certain scenarios or listen to specific suggestions. For example, if you’re dealing with anxiety from bullying, the therapist might use hypnosis to help you imagine feeling safe and confident, or to visualize letting go of the hurtful experiences. The goal is to talk to your subconscious mind – the part of your mind that influences habits, emotions, and memories – and help reframe negative thoughts or heal from trauma.

Importantly, hypnosis is a collaborative process, not something done to you against your will. Despite myths in movies, hypnotherapy is not mind control. You don’t lose control of yourself at all. In fact, during hypnosis you generally remain aware of what’s happening, and you can come out of the hypnotic state any time you want. One hypnotherapy clinic lightheartedly reassures clients: “Don’t worry, you won’t be clucking like a chicken in a hypnotherapy session. During hypnosis, you remain completely in control and you can’t be forced to do anything against your will” (What is Hypnotherapy and Can it Help You? – Body & Mind Online). That’s the truth – you are an active participant. If a therapist gave you a suggestion you didn’t agree with, your mind would simply reject it. You retain your agency. In fact, experts point out that people under hypnosis can resist and even oppose suggestions if they want to – they do not display “blind obedience” (You’re not getting sleepy: Six myths and misconceptions about hypnosis from an expert | Binghamton News). So, there’s no need to fear that you’ll be “under someone’s spell.” Hypnosis is more like a guided daydream that you are choosing to experience.

How can hypnotherapy help with the effects of bullying? There are a few ways it might be beneficial:

  • Reducing Anxiety and Stress: Hypnotherapy is perhaps best known for its ability to help people relax. For someone with anxiety due to bullying, hypnosis can induce a state of deep calm. The therapist might give suggestions like “When you feel the old panic, you will breathe deeply and feel safe,” effectively teaching your brain a new response to stress. There is scientific evidence backing the anxiety-reducing power of hypnosis. In one analysis of multiple studies, participants who received hypnosis experienced, on average, a 79% reduction in anxiety levels compared to those who didn’t use hypnosis (Hypnosis for Anxiety: Benefits, Research, and FAQs | Psych Central). Another study found hypnosis helped reduce anxiety symptoms regardless of how easily hypnotized the person was (Hypnosis for Anxiety: Benefits, Research, and FAQs | Psych Central). This suggests that even if you’re a bit skeptical or not “highly hypnotizable,” a skilled practitioner can still help you find relief. For bullied individuals who often feel on-edge, learning to invoke a hypnotic state of calm could provide a much-needed break from constant anxiety.
  • Healing Trauma and Changing Negative Thoughts: Bullying can leave deep emotional wounds and negative beliefs (“I’m not good enough,” “I’m unsafe”). Hypnotherapy is sometimes used to treat forms of trauma and PTSD by helping patients revisit painful memories in a safe, controlled way and reframe them. Under hypnosis, a therapist might help you imagine observing the bullying incidents from a distance, reinforcing the idea that it’s over and you survived. They might introduce suggestions that reinforce your strength and self-worth, effectively “rewiring” some of the negative thought patterns left by bullying. While research on hypnosis for PTSD specifically is ongoing, some therapists report success using hypnotic techniques to help trauma survivors reduce flashbacks and nightmares. At the very least, hypnosis can promote relaxation that makes it easier to engage in other therapy work around the trauma. It can also boost self-esteem by planting affirmations during the trance state, when your mind is more receptive – for example, the therapist might repeatedly and gently say, “You are strong, you are worthy of respect,” and your subconscious mind can absorb that more deeply than if you heard it in a normal waking state.
  • Breaking Habits or Emotional Cycles: Some people develop unhealthy coping habits after bullying (for instance, self-isolation, self-harm, or other negative behaviors). Hypnosis has been used to treat various habits and disorders – from smoking to anxiety attacks – by getting the subconscious on board with change. If bullying made you, say, afraid to speak up in class or prone to panic in crowds, hypnotherapy could help by directly addressing those automatic fear responses. The therapist might use post-hypnotic suggestions (instructions that your mind carries out after the session) like “When you step into school, you will feel calm and in control.” This isn’t magic, but it can strengthen your own resolve and reduce the automatic fear reaction over time.

It’s worth noting that hypnotherapy is often used alongside other treatments, not always alone. Many researchers find that hypnosis works best as a complement to conventional therapy or medical treatment (THE EFFICACY OF HYPNOSIS AS A TREATMENT FOR ANXIETY). For example, you might do regular talk therapy each week, and occasionally a hypnosis session to reinforce what you’re learning. Think of hypnotherapy as another tool in your self-care toolbox – one that can amplify your healing, especially for stress and anxiety. The American Psychological Association recognizes hypnotherapy as a valid therapeutic technique when practiced by trained professionals, and multiple medical associations have endorsed its therapeutic use ( Meta-analytic evidence on the efficacy of hypnosis for mental and somatic health issues: a 20-year perspective – PMC ). In a 2024 scientific review of hypnosis studies, researchers concluded that hypnosis has a positive impact on a variety of mental health outcomes, especially noting large benefits for pain and anxiety relief, including in children and adolescents ( Meta-analytic evidence on the efficacy of hypnosis for mental and somatic health issues: a 20-year perspective – PMC ). This shows that hypnotherapy is not fringe or woo-woo; it’s a field backed by research and clinical practice.

Addressing Common Misconceptions About Hypnotherapy

It’s totally normal to have doubts or fears about hypnotherapy. After all, it’s not as commonly discussed as, say, going to a doctor or even a regular counselor. Let’s clear up a few common misconceptions:

  • Myth: “I will lose control or do embarrassing things if I’m hypnotized.”
     Reality: You remain in control during therapeutic hypnosis. As mentioned earlier, you can’t be forced to do anything under hypnosis that you truly don’t want to do. You won’t reveal deep dark secrets or start acting silly unless you choose to. Hypnosis is more like a guided meditation than a magic spell. You’re still you, just deeply relaxed. In fact, people under hypnosis can actively reject suggestions that don’t fit their values or desires (You’re not getting sleepy: Six myths and misconceptions about hypnosis from an expert | Binghamton News). A hypnotherapist’s job is to help you feel safe and empowered, not to take over your mind.
  • Myth: “Hypnotherapy isn’t a real, effective therapy – it’s probably a scam.”
     Reality: Hypnotherapy is a legitimate therapeutic technique, and when practiced by a trained professional, it can be effective. It’s approved and used by many psychologists, psychiatrists, and doctors as part of treatment. Major health organizations have acknowledged its benefits. For instance, the British Psychological Society and the American Medical Association have noted hypnosis can be helpful for certain conditions. Recent scientific reviews have shown that hypnotherapy can lead to significant improvements in issues like pain management, anxiety, depression, and insomnia ( Meta-analytic evidence on the efficacy of hypnosis for mental and somatic health issues: a 20-year perspective – PMC ). It’s even used in some hospitals to help patients relax before surgeries or manage chronic pain. However, like any therapy, it’s not a guaranteed cure-all. Some people respond very well, some only a little. But dismissing it as “not real” isn’t accurate – there’s evidence behind it. If you work with a licensed therapist who is trained in hypnotherapy, you’re in good hands. They will have proper credentials (often, hypnotherapy is practiced by someone who is also a psychologist, counselor, or medical doctor with additional training in hypnosis). Always ensure you see a qualified professional, not a stage hypnotist or someone unlicensed offering hypnotherapy.
  • Myth: “What if I can’t be hypnotized? Maybe my mind is too strong or I’m too skeptical for it to work.”
     Reality: Most people can be hypnotized to some degree. It’s true that individuals vary in how easily they go into a hypnotic trance – this is called “hypnotizability.” But experts say that the vast majority of people are sufficiently hypnotizable to benefit from hypnotherapy (You’re not getting sleepy: Six myths and misconceptions about hypnosis from an expert | Binghamton News). You don’t have to be extremely hypnotizable to see positive effects. Even a light trance (like a deep relaxation) can allow you to absorb suggestions and imagery that help you heal. Being skeptical at first is okay; a good hypnotherapist will explain everything and ensure you’re comfortable. Hypnosis is not about having a “weak” mind – in fact, the focus and imagination involved mean your mind is actively working during hypnosis. Think of it like this: if you can daydream, or get lost in a book or movie, you can experience hypnosis. It might feel different than you expect – you might not even feel “hypnotized” in some dramatic way. You might just feel very calm. And if for some reason you truly don’t respond to hypnosis, that’s alright – there are plenty of other strategies to help with healing (which we’ve covered above). But many people are pleasantly surprised that they can be hypnotized and that it does make them feel better.
  • Myth: “I might get ‘stuck’ in hypnosis and not wake up.”
     Reality: This is a common fear, but it’s not grounded in how hypnosis actually works. You cannot get stuck in hypnosis – it’s not a coma or a sleep from which you can’t wake. At worst, if a hypnotherapist left you in a trance (which a professional would not do without guiding you out), you would either fall asleep normally and wake up naturally, or just come out of the trance on your own because the session got quiet. Hypnosis is a temporary state and ending a session is usually as simple as the therapist saying “I’m going to count to three, and you’ll gradually come back feeling awake and refreshed,” and you open your eyes and return to normal awareness. Many people come out of hypnosis feeling relaxed, like they just had a short nap or meditation. So don’t worry – you won’t be trapped in some hypnotic limbo.

In summary, hypnotherapy is a tool worth considering if you’re dealing with deep anxiety, fear, or self-esteem issues from bullying. It’s not magic, and it’s not a replacement for other forms of mental health care, but it can complement your healing journey. If you’re curious, you might start by talking to a counselor or doctor about it – they might refer you to a reputable hypnotherapist. Make sure any practitioner you see has proper training (for example, in the US, organizations like the American Society of Clinical Hypnosis certify licensed healthcare professionals in hypnotherapy). A good hypnotherapist will take time to explain the process, answer your questions, and make sure you feel in control and safe throughout the session.

Hypnotherapy Case Study: Adolescent being bullied in school

As mentioned above, bullying is so common for teenagers in real life and in social media.. 

I worked with an adolescent who was in eleventh grade. Throughout his adolescence, he was bullied by his classmates. He wore glasses and was very skinny and appeared timid. He was the target of bullying and that affected his performance in school academics. He began to miss school and failed most of the subjects in class. His teacher was very concerned about his academic performance.

The teacher reached out to parents also but my client was afraid to tell his parents about his bullying. When they found out from the teacher, they became more sensitive to my client’s needs.  They were scolding him for failing all his subjects. His parents referred my client for hypnotherapy.

I did an intake three years ago. Upon evaluation, he appeared majorly depressed, very anxious and had symptoms of PTSD. He became a loner and truant. His self esteem was adversely affected by the bullying. His self talk was highly negative as he lost all his confidence. He was socially withdrawn and suffered from insomnia.

I instantly identified his presenting problems and offered him a treatment package of fourteen sessions. The breakdown of his sessions was as follows:

  • PTSD: 3 sessions
  • Anxiety and Stress: 3 sessions
  • Depression: 3 sessions 
  • Bullying: 2 sessions
  • Self Esteem and confidence building: 3 sessions

My client was given hypnotic tools and anchors to manage anxiety and release trauma. Sessions like blow away stress, unwanted thoughts relaxation, worrying, stress relief, stress management. Sessions for trauma release included PTSD relaxation, Tuning into emotions, emotional calmness visualization, forgiveness, trauma survivors, and resentment.

Additionally, my client was given tools to release negativity in his thought patterns and ability to recognize his thought patterns. Moreover, he was given tools to be able to have trust in others as he was mostly engaging in the cognitive distortion of over generalization and avoided social contact. This led to severe depression and passive suicidal thoughts. Sessions like white light relaxation, release of negative emotions via imagery of balloons, silver sack negativity, positive thinking, garden of life, puddle imagery and how to use it to get rid of negative thoughts were offered. 

After working on Depression, I proceeded to the issue of Bullying and offered him sessions like School Bullying, Bullying in General.

Basically, he was given a deep insight into the behaviors and character of bullies and how not to be afraid of them. These bullies have a weak personality and they generally suffer from insecurity so they pick weak students to bully them to massage their own ego. 

Lastly, I offered sessions on building self esteem. Sessions like circle of confidence, Dial up Confidence, personal confidence, personal pride, garden of life for confidence building, Empower yourself and many more confidence sessions were offered to my client. 

Additionally, my client was given audio files of all the above sessions as a homework assignment to listen to in order to address all his mental health issues. He faithfully listened to these audios in between live sessions of hypnotherapy.

In a nutshell, my client benefitted from the intervention offered to him and began to show significant progress. 

I also met his parents for parent counseling and gave them input on effective communication skills, how to provide positive reinforcement when my client did better, list of rewards to be used , point system and taking away privileges for non compliance and defiant behaviors.

My client responded to the new approach of his parents and began to have a strong bond with them. He was no longer afraid to communicate with his parents.

Furthermore, he was also encouraged to speak up and become assertive with the bullies and report the matter to his teachers and principal. Gradually, he became more self confident to bring up the issue with the school authorities, as well.

By the fourteenth session, he had made excellent progress and was ready for discharge.

His parents thanked me for my work with him and began to believe in the effectiveness of hypnotherapy. They were somewhat sceptical at the time of intake. Afterwards, they referred me to other clients for hypnotherapy.

Moving Forward: You Can Heal

Being bullied is not the end of your story. It can deeply affect you, but with time and effort, the wounds from bullying can heal. Remember that the awful things someone else said or did to you do not define who you are. You are stronger than you know – after all, you’ve survived the bullying and are here seeking ways to feel better, which already shows courage and resilience.

Healing from bullying involves caring for yourself and possibly seeking help, as we’ve discussed. It might also involve forgiving yourself. Some people who were bullied carry guilt or shame, as if they should have done something differently. Please be kind to yourself: no one deserves to be bullied, and it wasn’t your fault. What you can do now is focus on rebuilding and moving forward.

  • Celebrate Small Victories: Recovery is made of small steps. Maybe today you talked to a friend about what’s going on – that’s a victory. Maybe you went a whole day without letting that bully’s voice in your head take over – that’s a victory. Even reading this article and educating yourself is a positive step. Give yourself credit for each bit of progress.
  • Know When to Get Help: If you ever feel overwhelmed – like if you have frequent panic attacks, feel extremely depressed, or have thoughts of harming yourself – reach out for professional help immediately. There are crisis lines (like the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline in the U.S.) where trained counselors are available 24/7 to talk by call or text. Asking for help in a crisis is a sign of strength. You deserve support.
  • Believe in a Better Future: It might sound cliché, but it’s important to remember that things can and will get better. High school or any bullying environment doesn’t last forever. Many people who were bullied go on to have happy, fulfilling lives. The qualities that made you a target – whether it was being different, creative, sensitive, etc. – are often the same qualities that will make you shine later on. There are supportive friends you haven’t met yet, communities that will celebrate you, and experiences ahead that will make the hard times fade. It does get better.

As you move forward, try to replace the space that bullying took up in your life with people and activities that uplift you. Over time, your scars will become stories of resilience – perhaps even something that drives you to help others who face bullying. Many anti-bullying advocates and kind adults were once bullied kids themselves who decided, “No one else should have to feel this pain.”

You are not alone, and you have the right to feel safe, happy, and confident. Keep reminding yourself of that. It may take time, but you will reclaim your power and peace of mind. The fact that you’re reading this shows you’re already on the path to healing. Be patient and proud of yourself for how far you’ve come.

Finally, if you’re interested in trying strategies like hypnotherapy or counseling, don’t hesitate to explore them. There’s no one-size-fits-all solution, but there are solutions that fit for you. Reach out, take care of your mental health like you would your physical health, and hold on to hope. Better days lie ahead, and you deserve every bit of the happiness and confidence that bullying tried to take away from you.

You will overcome this. With support, self-care, and time, the dark cloud that bullying left can give way to brighter skies in your life. Keep going – you’re worth it.

References

Lynn et al., 2023 – as reported by Binghamton University News. Reconciling myths about hypnosis.Myths Debunked: Hypnotized individuals do not lose voluntary control – they can resist suggestions and remain conscious of their surroundings (You’re not getting sleepy: Six myths and misconceptions about hypnosis from an expert | Binghamton News) (You’re not getting sleepy: Six myths and misconceptions about hypnosis from an expert | Binghamton News). Also notes that most people are sufficiently hypnotizable to gain therapeutic benefits, and responsiveness is not just “faking” or compliance (You’re not getting sleepy: Six myths and misconceptions about hypnosis from an expert | Binghamton News). This supports hypnosis as a collaborative, real therapy method rather than a parlor trick.

Contact us for a free consultation. Not ready to schedule an appointment? Learn how self-hypnosis can start your recovery from PTSD and depression.

Rekha Shrivastava

Rekha Shrivastava

Rekha Shrivastava is a certified Hypnotist, Rehabilitation Counselor who has been using hypnosis to address all kinds of mental health problems including Anxiety, Depressions, PTSD, Phobias, OCD, Obesity and Smoking Cessation for many years.

Anxiety Disorders

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