An Upstander is a person who speaks up & stands up for themselves or others when faced with a bully. Whether a teen or adult, bullies use similar tactics to elevate themselves by rejecting someone else. Relational bullying is manifested through excluding someone by means of spreading rumors so the victim is isolated. A Hate Incident is an act that goes against a policy; such as racial or homophobic slurs of LGBTQ community, but does not arrive to the level of a crime. Your first step is to identify that the bully is trying to harm by manipulating & controlling others because there is something wrong with them. Finding one person to listen and support you, is your best defense if you cannot avoid your abuser. The one person who “has your back” might be difficult for you to recognize when you are overwhelmed with emotional pain. Find your Upstander, is it a relative, friend, guidance counselor, health professional? Don’t stay silent since as Confucius said, Where ever you go, there you are. There is no way to escape yourself. Being a highly sensitive person, abusers will find you. Find a strategy to support yourself and find happiness.
Action you can take to survive abuse/bullies