What do think of when you hear the word “stress?” Probably something negative. And, yes, stress is, like so many things in life, a two-edged sword in the sense that, in some settings, stress keeps us alert and enhances some aspects of performance. Yet chronic stress is the dark flip side, and typically arises in situations involving emotional pressure, which an individual feels they have no control over or escape from.
Chronic Stress & Bullying
For many people, chronic stress begins in childhood with being bullied. Scientists have discovered that getting picked on, or bullied, not only impacts emotional and social functioning, but can also have biological consequences that stretch into adulthood.
What Research Says
In fact, in a
multi-university study, researchers found that c-reactive protein, a biomarker (or telltale biological signal) of low-grade inflammation, was significantly higher in individuals who had been bullied and remained so into adulthood. Elevated c-reactive protein is a risk factor for various chronic diseases including cardiovascular disease.
As most of us know from our own school days, children who “stand out” in any way are appealing targets to bullies. Among those who attract the attention of bullies are classmates with
ADD/ADHD. In an article titled
Bullying at School: Is Your ADHD Kid a Victim?, child psychologist Steven Richfield noted that, “It is heartbreaking to learn that your attention hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) child has become the victim of a bully. And unfortunately, some children are at greater risk of being bullied because of their ADHD.
An inappropriate, or impulsive remark blurted out for the entire class to hear can attract the attention of a bully. And an impulsive retort by the ADHD student to a bully’s provocation may escalate the situation.”
ADD & Bullying
Amen Clinics has spent decades studying and analyzing ADD, and has helped many children with the condition who have been bullied. We have found that impulsive outbursts by those with ADD oftentimes serve as a way for them to get an emotional reaction out of others, sometimes angry, that provide them with needed brain stimulation.
Of course, no child with ADD truly enjoys or welcomes being bullied or stressed out. The solution? Get a handle on the ADD; that is, change and heal the sufferer’s brain.
It is important to note that ADD is not a single brain problem with a “one size fits all” remedy.
We Can Help
At Amen Clinics, we can help you and your loved ones overcome the stigma and suffering associated with ADD/ADHD, anxiety, depression, brain injury, weight loss, addictions, memory issues, brain fog, and other emotional and cognitive issues. If you are ready to regain control over your life, give us a call at 1-888-288-9834 or
tell us more online.
