Bully not for you

I've been wrestling with this topic for the past week, since the number of teens that have committed suicide over the past 3 or so weeks has risen astronomically. The thing that gets me is they all have something in common- bullying for who they are/sexual orientation. I'm not specifically going to talk about the sexual preference part of this, but the part that I can relate to- Bullying. When I was in 7th grade, I transferred schools at my parents choice. This school was supposed to be better, with lots of students from many different cultures, with an academic challenge. The minute I walked into the school, I was judged by how I looked, my music preferences, what made me. I did make a few friends, but that did not prevent me from becoming depressed with the constant onslaught of bullying, name-calling. I can remember several instances, especially one that happened in 8th grade.

It was in between family-consumer science and english class, and I was walking back to my engnish class. I passed these two guys, one which was at the forefront of the bullying. As I passed him and his friend, he "whispered" loudly,  "Quick hide the cocaine. Here comes crackhead!" Let me say, I have never done any illegal drugs. Any drugs I have taken, I have taken at doctors instruction or as needed. No addictions here! During middle school when this was going on, I went to the guidance counselor. She told me to write down all that they did, and if they kept on with the bullying, to come back to her. This did not help. I ended up not going back to her, because within a couple days, I overheard a teacher of mine talking to another teacher who I had talking about my situation as if it was no big deal. I had never confided in them what was going on, only the guidance counselor.

I honestly don't think schools know how to handle it. I don't think adults of older generations know how to handle it. They were brought up in the mindset of "Just ignore it, they'll leave you alone after a while." That does not really ever happen. It seems to produce one of three results:depression transitioning to suicide, turning into a bully themselves, or the disaster of them all... committing a violent act towards the bullies. In my case, I channeled my depression and anger into being somewhat of a bully back at the bullies. Regrettably, it is something that lasts into adulthood. I struggle with it. Some days are good, some days I'm irritated. Some days I'm depressed, and some days I just turn into a complete bitchy-catty mess. Chocolate helps.

My point of all this is there needs to be a meeting of both the administrators and those that have been bullied, and have the administrators hear what is going on, how the school "handled" it, and the result of their "handling". There also needs to be a meeting of bullies and victims of school violence, where someone has gone into their school after being bullied to their breaking point, and them taking a disastrous, violent action towards their bullies and those that are caught in the crossfire.

I want those that are being bullied to know that there is hope. There is a light at the end of the tunnel. Most if not all of those that make your life miserable won't be going on to the same high school/college/job you are. I'm not going to say it's going to be rainbows and lollipops once you get away from those situations/moving on in life. There are struggles. But it does get better. By ending your life, they are winning. Don't let them win. In no way am I saying go after them the way they go after you. I'm saying share your experience with others, document, keep speaking up. And remember it does get better.