Triggering (Bullying): Can't Take it Anymore :(

[Michaela *heartbroken*]

I am constantly being bullied for the stuff that I am into
The way I dress, the way I have my hair, the music I listen to, the stuff I watch.
I am constantly being told to grow up because I watch Doctor Who and the Sarah Jane Adventures.
I get called a freak because I listen to rock and heavy metal and a bit of classical when I listen to the Doctor Who and Torchwood soundtracsk.
I get the piss took out of me because I absoutely adore David Tennant, Matt Smith and John Barrowman.
But what hurts most of all is people say I need to grow up because I cry over my heroes that have died. But I cannot control my emotions. I try to, but I just cry.
I told them I am not going to stop watching Doctor Who just for them as I grew up with it.
But it seems the bullying is spirraling out of control, they push me around and hit me just because I am different...

[BDF]

Who exactly are they? Work-mates? Grass them up to your boss. And if they backlash for it grass them up again, and if they get physical go to the police. If they're your friends they shouldav gotten the message by now, if they don't like you then they should just leave. If they won't, then leave them.

[Michaela *heartbroken*]

They are class mates at my college, they were good to me when I first started, but since they got to know me better they have been really bitchy, talking behind my back, sniggering at me in class. Telling lies about me all the time. They won't leave me alone when I am in class and they follow me around when I am on my lunch break. I can't handle it anymore. It's making me want to do something really stupid, its driving me crazy. I just wish they would stop, if only they understood how I am feeling inside. It hurts so much to have to put up with this everytime I go into college. I am there near enough five times a week, I really wish they would understand what they are putting me through. Many times I have wanted to scream at them, to swear at them and smack them, but I knew if I smack them I would get into trouble with the sercurity up at my college.

It's the worst when I am on my dinner break, its torture. They follow me around saying stuff like "Oh, youra freak." "You need to grow up watching crap like Dr Who." "Your pathetic for crying over famous people." I am sure if they lost a famous hero they would cry as well wouldn't they? I mean its just natural isn't it?

[BDF]

Yea... I mean, a lot of people cried when Michael Jackson died, so I don't get what point they're trying to make. They don't even know themselves probably they're just trying to make you feel shit.

They are pathetic and need to grow up instead of spending time and energy throwing shit at you. If you're gonna tell them that, it's better you say "wasting time and energy" instead tho... it'l give an impression that all the shit they're giving you isn't affecting you.

I assume they're your age 21? tbh Im not surprised anymore how retarded some people can be. They're acting like 15 year olds who've got nothing to do. What a bunch of annoying pests lol...

From a legal perspective they are effectively harassing you, by following you around and insulting you. You could bring it up with some authorities maybe in college, if that won't shut them up go to the police because I think there are laws against this.

[Michaela *heartbroken*]

Yea, they are the same age as me. I have spoke to my tutor at college about it but he doesn't seem to have done anything about it as it is continuing to happen. I am glad I have two weeks off college for easter but I am dreading going back there to have to put up with it all again. I thought things would have changed with college, thought it would be different than school. It is slightly since you get treat with respect and like an adult off the tutors but the bullying is exactly the same as when I was at school. Just because I am quiet doesn't mean they should bully me, just because I am upset doesn't mean they have to say crap does it? I really would say something to them, but I just can never get any words out. I go to say something and I clam up.

I have studied at college for nearly five year and I have been bullied all the way through, I was put into a new class for my new year and everybody in this class is just as bad as the last lot. Why can't they just leave me alone? it's driving me insane.

[Reverie.]

I know just how devistating bullying is. I've been bullied pretty much all of my school life, and I still am upto now. People don't really know what they're missing out on. So you watch some shows they find childish, doesn't mean you do. There are tonnes of people way older than you, who also enjoy these shows. Heck, my GRANDAD still talks about doctor who at times. He's in his 70s! So it's not a matter of growing up, it's a matter of taste. You have nothing, and I mean nothing to be ashamed of. In fact I feel we have a lot in common. I listen to rock and the soundtracks, and yeah, I'd probably get grief for it if many people I knew found out. Luckily, I have friends who do the same thing, so if you don't, try introducing your friends to the things you like, and who knows, they might come to like it too.

These peope who pick on you don't understand the word 'individuality'. Be yourself. Let them follow the crowd and be 'cool', because if they want to live their life as clones of everyone else, so be it. You want to be different. You like what you like because you like it, not because everyone else does. You're right to say you wont change for them, because it shows strenght and courage, something they probably have much less of than you.

If what they're doing really is getting to you, and you can't ignore it, I'd say tell a teacher. The amazing thing about college is, people don't legally have to be there. At the sixth form I'm applying to, they'll kick someone out for something like this I think. Because there's no rule to say they have to be there by law, something like what you've described, could result in them being thrown out. Obviously I don't know the policy there, but it could be worth it and it will most deffinetly stop what's happening. Remember, there's nothing wrong with you. Express yourself through hair and clothes, and keep watching those shows (you have brilliant taste in shows anyway!). Don't change for anyone, okay? You're you, and as soon as you change for them, you're not anymore.

Don't let it get to you too bad, okay? Keep your chin up and never let them win. Stay strong and keep fighting. You know I'm happy to help, so my PM box is always open. Smile! <3

[BDF]

I don't know if your college offers counselling services for students (mine does). If you have problems standing up to people like that you should get some advice on how to deal with them. It's far more satisfying to get it done yourself than ask tutors, police etc. to issue warnings.

Just something to boost your confidence and handle those situations so that you're actually able to say what you want to their face.