Emotional scars from childhood bullying

Hi @Diamonds,

Thank you for sharing this. It takes a lot of courage to put these feelings into words, and I want to acknowledge how real and painful these emotional scars can be. The echoes of childhood bullying don’t just fade with time, especially when they shape how we see ourselves.

You're absolutely right, people often dismiss bullying with, “They were just kids,” but that doesn’t erase the hurt. The past can resurface when we least expect it, and those flashbacks can feel like being pulled back into the moment all over again. It’s frustrating when the people who caused harm refuse to take accountability, but your reflection shows just how much wisdom and strength you’ve gained.

Have you found anything that helps ground you when these memories hit? Some people find comfort in mindfulness techniques, journaling, or even talking it through with a trusted friend or professional.

It’s possible other members may have missed this discussion. I'll tag them here to see what they have to say to weigh in:

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You're not alone in this, and healing, even if it feels slow, is still happening.

Sending you warmth and support. 💙 You deserve kindness, from yourself and from others.

Take care,

Somya from the Carenity team 🌼

This has happened to me too, and I feel ashamed about how things from so long ago can still come back so strongly so many years even decades later. I just tell myself that I will never get the apology or understanding I deserved from those people. That’s very unfair, but my healing shouldn’t have to depend on closure of them admitting what they did. Sending support.

Hi there, it is awful, i was in a similar situation, i have largely made peace with my demons. The second the flashback cimes to mind, i tell myself " don't accept it, carry on, you are as worthy as the next person" now that sound easy!!! It is in actual fact very difficult, especially if your at a low point. It takes alot of practice, and determination. I started by practicing saying this out loud, alot!!!

Then i remind myself subconciously before i leave the house. In time it becomes part of your internal dialogue.

I wish you success and determination.

Sue

I was bullied from the age of 5 until I reached 16 at school. The name calling the ridicule of wearing glasses, and the fact I had a denture to replace my two top front teeth at the age of 10. I had nobody to turn to as mum working in an old people's home as a manager and Dad working as a bus driver. I withdrew into my bedroom. I now have an emotionally unstable personality disorder because of it. My Dad is still around and doesn't even check how I am. I sadly lost my mam to cancer of the lymph glands in 1996 at her age of 46. I was only 24 at the time. I miss her so much