Talk about yourself
I was ostracized. Once kids find out that I wear a hearing aid - thus, I tried to hide it with my long hair. But all during my school years, I was frightened if anyone should find out. "You are not paying attention," the teacher would reprimand me so, I covered up by being a class clown. I became popular in high school because of my good looks (bloomed from an ugly duckling to a swan syndrome). People thought I was somewhat dumb. Seemed that people understands dumb but do not understand deaf. I was diagnosed with bipolar after 9-11-2001 when I was 51 yrs old. I am still trying to find out "why?" That could be it.
How Did Other Children Mistreat You?
It was fourth grade when I decided that the kids did not like me because of my wearing a hearing aid. They would write me "I do not like you because you wear a hearing aid." Good thing dad was in the Air Force and we moved away. I was not the happy go lucky kid I seemed to be, but was wary. I covered up by phony laughing (what could possibly be funny?), smiling and keep my chin up. No one made fun of me then on, but I knew a few laughed and snickered behind my back. It was painful, and today I still have the pain in me that hurts. Silly, huh? You would think I would get over it?
Lessons Learned
- I never got over it, evidently.
Do you think bipolar disorder helped make you a victim?
I am a marginal citizen of today.
Did being bullied damage your self-esteem?
Yes, it did or not so much bullied but trying to keep from it by being someone I was not (class clown).
Do you still have "victim" characteristics as an adult?
I think so!
Anything more you want to say?
It is not bullied but more like being different and not wanting to be and sacrificed my own "self."
