One of my friends was bullying another friend by calling her names in front of her. So my other friend found out and told me to threaten her. I said no. Then she said I do the same thing and pretend to be peoples’ friends. I used to bully people but not as bad as before. Now on Monday, I had a fight with my friend. Now, another friend hasn’t talked to me. I found out she was talking badly about me and that I was starting drama by speaking negatively. I’m so upset I want to cut and kill myself.
CONSIDER THIS:
- Having a conflict with friends can make you feel unhappy and unable to cope. You are caring and smart for making an honest effort to be a good friend by attempting to solve the problems you and your friends have.
- If you have serious thoughts of self-harm or suicide head to the Teen Central website and click the Help tab to call one of the hotlines to speak to someone. If you’d just like to understand your negative thoughts better click the Learn tab then Self Injury to learn more. Alternatively, talk to a trusted adult or therapist about your feelings.
- You can get together and talk about your feelings in a responsible, peaceful manner. Allow each other to speak without arguing and try to understand each other as people. Be genuinely respectful of what they say and tell them they must be respectful as well.
- You can head to the Teen Central website and click the Learn tab then Bullying to learn more about the subject.
- You can try doing more meaningful activities together that may create a stronger bond between you. For example, as a group, you can try volunteering. Some ways to volunteer as a group may be community-related, in a hospital or helping animals or the environment.
- Another activity to try together is going to church. You can learn more about spirituality by heading to the Teen Central website and clicking the Learn tab then Spirituality.
- You and your friends may also try group therapy. You may ask a school counselor, trusted adult or maybe a teacher to find a group to fit your needs. Do your own research online to find a group if necessary.
HELP YOURSELF:
- Can you think of other fun activities you and your friends can enjoy without bullying each other?
- In what ways do you think being less petty could change your relationship with you and your friends for the better?
- Can you imagine how your friends feel and ask them kindly to imagine yours without judgment?
