Saturday, September 17, 2011

Stand Together Against Bullying


 For anyone who truly knows me, knows that I was bullied as a kid. No matter what people say, words do hurt. A lot. To this day, I can still hear some of the mean kids saying hurtful things to me and about me like it was yesterday. I'm 28. For me, the pain of it all has never fully gone away. I remember it all. I remember the names of every person who ever said or did something mean to me. I remember being at sleepovers and hearing people who were supposed to be my friends say hurtful things about me when they thought I was sleeping. Hell, I even had a teacher in 4th grade who was part of the problem. I suffered from depression (on and off) and anxiety attacks up until my mid 20s when I tried Hypnotherapy as a way of helping me let go. It actually worked.

In the last few years, I have become very passionate about Anti-Bullying. I can't stand hearing about all of the horrible stories in the news about what kids are going through today, and let me tell you, it is MUCH worse today than it was when I was a kid. I am so thankful I did not grow up in the age of cyber bullying. I think its great that people today are taking a stand and really trying to make a difference. Its just sad that its taken kids committing "bullyside" a term I heard recently for committing suicide for people to notice something is definitely wrong.

Last night I watched a 48 Hours special titled "Bullying: Words Can Kill". Let me tell you, if was eye opening. I highly recommend watching it online if you get the chance. It saddened me seeing so many kids being bullied, having to change schools multiple times, overdosing on pills, and hanging themselves just to escape the pain. THIS SHOULD NOT BE HAPPENING!!! It makes me sick that schools say there is nothing they can do, except for the odd few and that the parents of the bullies will do nothing and take NO responsibility for their child's actions. The special did also feature one school that was taking action against bullying, and I applaud them for that. Every little bit helps. 

This week I heard that Extreme Makeover: Home Edition is helping a family who's child committed suicide after being bullied in school. Sirdeaner Walker is now dedicating her life to putting an end to bullying. This includes, bullying based on religion, race, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity or anything else that makes people different. You can catch their episode later this season. 

Want to help her put an end to bullying? 

Go to this site: http://www.standtogether.tv/  

Take the pledge and follow the instructions.

Let's Stand Together against bullying. Remember, every little bit helps.