[Moxie.]

Hi Madison,

Being bullied is an extremely difficult thing to go through and I'm sorry that you're experiencing it to such an extent.

It definitely isn't your fault that this is happening. One of the main reasons bully others is because of their own insecurities. Even if they aren't insecure about the specific things they're bullying you about, bullies often have deeply rooted insecurities about something in their own life. Unfortunately, this can cause them to feel like the only way to combat it is to be mean and bring other people down.

One of the best ways to discourage bullies is to ignore them. Most of the time, bullies are looking for some sort of reaction. When they don't get that reaction, they will likely become bored and move on. You can also consider telling a teacher or other school staff, as they will be able to take disciplinary action against the bullies. Being open in your outpatient program about what you're experiencing may also be helpful, as others in the program probably have shared experiences. This can help you feel less alone and they may be able to give you suggestions about how to handle it.

Please remember that there is nothing wrong with who you are. Perhaps you can try repeating positive affirmations to yourself to remind you of your worth. It may feel silly at first, but over time, it can really start to change your mindset and your views of yourself.

If you'd like to talk about this more, please don't hesitate to reply to this thread or send me a PM. We're all here for you!

Take care,
Sam