Arjun was a lively 8th grader, but his life was becoming darker and more embarrassing by the day. He had a problem with bed-wetting (enuresis). This is the story of how this shy, embarrassed tween changed his reality.
Arjun’s Struggle
Arjun was the only child of his parents, who loved and doted on him. He was a bright and lively child, but as he entered the 8th grade, things began to change. His academic performance started to decline, and he began dressing shabbily and looking increasingly unkempt. His worried parents took him to various counsellors, but nothing seemed to help. Soon, Arjun started wetting his bed at night, which seemed to be the last straw. He became withdrawn, stopped talking to his friends, avoided interacting with classmates and teachers, and began to loathe going to school.
Many counsellors suspected there was a problem at school, but they couldn’t find anything concrete. Arjun was referred to various psychiatrists and neurological experts, who prescribed medication. However, the problem persisted, and they suggested seeking help from a psychologist.
Discovering the Root Cause
Arjun took a single session with our expert, and it was discovered that he was being bullied by three classmates. No one spoke about this because one of the bullies’ parents was a senior faculty member at the same school. When Arjun had complained once, the teacher hushed it down and refused to do anything about it. This experience made him lose hope in authority, people around him, and ultimately in himself.
The Impact of Bullying
Bullying has a serious impact on a growing child’s perception of control and power in their life. It shatters self-esteem and confidence, often leaving bullied children feeling helpless and resorting to withdrawing from everything around them. In some cases, the fear and stress convert into physical problems like gastrointestinal issues, irritable bowel syndrome, skin eruptions, weight loss, and enuresis. Bullying should never be ignored or sidelined, as it can affect how the child will socialize as an adult.
Arjun’s Transformation
Arjun’s declining interest in academics, play, and other extracurricular activities was directly related to the bullying. The bullies continued to call him names and tease him, leading to nightmares and bed-wetting. After one or two instances, the embarrassment and stress caused the bed-wetting to continue, irrespective of bad dreams. The added medication and other counselling attempts only made him feel more insecure.
After the session with our expert, Arjun walked out of the room with a feeble smile. Two months later, just after finishing a session, the therapist was greeted by a bright-eyed, bubbly boy at the door. The therapist was surprised and didn’t recognize the student at first—it was Arjun! He was smiling, well-groomed, and looked very smart. He had come to say thank you. He had managed to deal with the bullies, and things were great. He was happy to have gotten his smile back.
Arjun’s story is a testament to the impact that effective psychological support can have on a child facing bullying. It highlights the importance of addressing the root causes of behavioral and emotional issues rather than just the symptoms. By seeking the right help, Arjun was able to overcome his challenges and regain his confidence and joy.
