Overcoming Bullying Anxiety: A Personal Approach

Introduction

Hi, I'm Lori Shifrin. If you're struggling with bullying anxiety, it's important to understand that you're not alone. Bullying anxiety can affect every aspect of your life, but together, we can navigate through this challenge and find effective ways to manage and overcome it. For over two decades, I battled severe anxiety disorders, and through my journey, I developed a unique approach that has since helped over 30 million people worldwide. My methods are based on real experiences and proven results.

Understanding Bullying Anxiety

What is Bullying Anxiety?

Bullying anxiety stems from the persistent fear and stress of being bullied, whether it happened in the past or is an ongoing concern. This type of anxiety can significantly impact your mental and physical health, academic or work performance, and relationships.

Common Feelings and Symptoms

Constant Fear and Worry

Persistent fear of encountering the bully or bullies, and worry about when and where the next bullying incident might occur, are common.

Hypervigilance

Being constantly on edge and alert to potential threats, startling easily, and always being on the lookout for the bully are typical symptoms.

Emotional Impact

Low Self-Esteem

You might feel worthless, inadequate, or undeserving of respect and kindness, often internalising the negative messages from the bully.

Social Withdrawal

Avoiding social situations, school, or work to escape potential bullying is a common coping mechanism. This isolation can lead to feelings of loneliness and a significant decrease in self-esteem.

Physical Symptoms

Stress-Related Ailments

Headaches, stomach aches, and other stress-related physical ailments are frequent among those suffering from bullying anxiety. You might also experience a general feeling of being unwell or fatigued.

Behavioural Symptoms

Avoidance Behaviour

Taking longer routes, changing routines to avoid bullies, missing school, work, or social events to stay safe are all common behaviours.

Difficulty Concentrating

Trouble focusing on tasks, schoolwork, or job responsibilities due to preoccupation with bullying thoughts and fears can impact your daily life.

Negative Thoughts and Self-Perception

Fear and Anxiety

Thoughts like "When will they bully me again?" and "I hope I don't run into them today" are common among those with bullying anxiety.

Self-Doubt and Low Self-Esteem

Internal thoughts such as "Maybe I deserve this" and "I'm not good enough" often plague those dealing with bullying anxiety.

My Journey and How I Can Help You

I understand how bullying anxiety can make you feel trapped and overwhelmed. Through my own recovery journey, I developed a structured approach to overcoming anxiety disorders. This method is based on real experiences and results, not just theory.

Steps to Overcoming Bullying Anxiety

Embrace New Behaviours

To escape the anxiety trap, you must learn new, non-anxious behaviours. This involves reprogramming your subconscious mind through consistent, conscious effort. It's not easy, but it's possible with the right guidance and support.

Practise Diversion Techniques

One effective strategy is diversion—engaging in activities that shift your focus away from anxiety. This helps your subconscious mind adopt new, positive behaviours, reducing anxiety over time.

Why You Can Trust My Approach

I understand the overwhelming grip of bullying anxiety firsthand. I battled severe anxiety disorders for over two decades, and through my recovery, I developed a unique approach that has since helped millions of people worldwide.

Credentials and Experience:

• Pioneer in Anxiety Recovery: Since 1997, my methods have been tested and proven effective, helping countless individuals regain control of their lives.
• Author and Educator: I've authored over 200 works and have been featured by Hay House Publishing as the world’s leading anxiety recovery expert.
• Global Reach: My programmes have reached people in more than 60 countries, with personal coaching and residential retreats that provide immersive recovery experiences.
• Media Presence: I’ve been a keynote speaker, TV presenter, and guest on numerous radio shows and podcasts, spreading awareness and effective solutions for anxiety disorders.
• Recovery Ambassadors: Many of my high-profile clients, such as Jemma Kidd, Plum Sykes, and Jodie Kidd, have become Recovery Ambassadors, sharing their recovery journeys to inspire others.

Conclusion

Overcoming bullying anxiety is a journey that requires patience, support, and determination. Remember, you're not alone in this battle. Together, we can navigate through the challenges and build a brighter, more confident future.

If these experiences resonate with you, it’s important to recognise that you might be suffering from bullying anxiety. The Anxiety Project recovery methodology creates fast, simple and lifelong, drug-free, anxiety disorder recovery. It is the world's first and only accredited, evidence-based, psycho-educational recovery treatment.