My Story

As a child I was told that I was a “ray of sunshine” with a “sunny disposition”.  I always had a big smile on my face, had fun where ever I went and loved to laugh and joke around. But then in grade 6 things changed.  I was bullied everyday by someone I used to call my best friend.  This was extremely hard for me because I couldn’t understand why she would do this to me and what I had done wrong. I blamed myself. My former friend was very popular and I soon had many bullies. The bullying was not your typical fistfights where it is very physical and obvious.  It was typical of girl bullying which tends to be subtle and prey on emotions.  It involved things such as dirty looks, name calling, intimidation and exclusion.  Unfortunately, this form of bullying wasn’t considered bullying and it was very hard to catch. My teachers didn’t seem to understand and even put one of the bullies in charge of me (to cue me for homework and transitions in the class) which gave them even more power. I coped as best I could and managed to get through the year but was definitely depressed and very anxious. 

Over the summer to grade 7, I made a friend and we were then in the same class and things were great until the bullying followed me. Half way through February I switched schools. We realized that I needed a fresh start as things were not improving.  It was the best thing I did for my health and for the remainder of the year I actually got better. Unfortunately, the next year the bullying returned.  At that moment I felt defeated and I again was depressed and anxious but not as bad as when I was in grade 6 and 7.  The bullying was handled way better than it was at the other school.  I felt supported and had new coping skills to rely on. So I got through that year and went on to this year where the bullying again re-surfaced but has been handled so well that my depression and anxiety have not been an issue.  I have now been told that the old happy positive Olivia is back !!