Bullying may seem like an issue that only children deal with, but unfortunately, it is something that adults may suffer from too. U.S. News and World Report explains that bullying of adults is just as harmful emotionally and physically as it is for children, creating long-term effects.
Consistent bullying can lead to issues with chronic health conditions, such as high blood pressure, thyroid disorders, mood disorders and eating disorders. You may be more likely to self-harm or have a higher chance of suicide.
How it happens
Adult bullying can happen anywhere. With the rise of the internet and social media, it happens daily. Bullying is any type of aggressively repeated behavior that causes you injury or discomfort. There is often a power imbalance present.
How it differs
Unlike childhood bullying, when someone bullies an adult, it is usually quite subtle. You may not even realize it is bullying until you start to recognize how it is affecting your life. Typical behaviors of a bully include trying to humiliate you, ostracizing you from your social group, calling you names and belittling you in a public way. It can also include backstabbing and undermining you.
When an adult bullies another adult many people may brush it off as just expressing opinions or standing up for their beliefs. However, when expressing your opinions or standing up for something you believe in starts to hurt another person, then you have crossed a line. You should never take those excuses as a way to justify the behavior whether you are the bully or the victim.