The way I see it, there are two sides to bullying. Victims and survivors. We all know who the victims are, we see it every day, someone who is different, the misguided outcast who was swept away by a sea of Barbie doll drones. But even in that sea of plastics there is a form of bullying that people have yet to understand, possibly a teen drama called the Identity Crisis. But if you consider it, that’s exactly what it is, an identity crisis. When someone tries their hardest to not necessarily become you, but discredit you and take all your hard work and glory for themselves.

The Problem

Your identity is what makes you who you are. How you dress. What type of music you like to listen to during your commute. Who your friends are. Your identity is sacred — almost like a keepsake for all things that make up your soul. It’s the most precious treasure you can cherish, as much as a pirate cherishes his booty. And when rotten thieves live to steal that treasure from you, you have to do your best to protect it at all costs.

Problem is, that one person who steals it over and over again; claiming it was theirs first and you had no right to mark your territory. This is the Identity Crisis.

The Victim

Out of all the unlucky things that could have happened, you become the victim of this teen drama. You could have missed prom. You could have worn your torn pajamas to school that has your childhood nickname stitched onto the pocket. You could have even bumped into your crush in the hall right after telling your best friend how cute you think he/she is. But instead, you see that one person, maybe not even the queen bee, who steals everything from you, your social status, your friends, even your career path. The hardest thing is, this just doesn’t happen in high school. It happens in life. And out of all the misfits who could have been given this title you end up playing the main role.

The Survivor

Anyone who is a victim to the Identity Crisis knows it is one of the hardest things to overcome. And the only way to survive it is to beat the thieves at their own game. Prove to them that your identity is your identity and you will not have anyone stealing it from you ever again. Work harder to instill this identity into others’ minds so they know you are the victim, but you are also a survivor. No matter what age you are, bullying hurts and leaves a scar. But no matter who you are, you are never alone. Whether you’re a misguided misfit, a clarinet player who can’t talk to girls, or even a plastic Barbie doll queen bee, you will never be alone, because everyone has faced the Identity Crisis one way or another. How have you?

Need more help with overcoming bullying? Learn more from Aija Mayrock, author of "The Survival Guide to Bullying." And for further assistance watch her interview on KidLit TV!

ABOUT "THE SURVIVAL GUIDE TO BULLYING"

"The Survival Guide to Bullying" – Written by a teenager who was bullied throughout middle school and high school, this kid-friendly book offers a fresh and relatable perspective on bullying. Along the way, the author offers guidance as well as different strategies that helped her get through even the toughest of days.

"The Survival Guide to Bullying" covers everything from cyber bullying to how to deal with fear and how to create the life you dream of having. From inspiring “roems” (rap poems), survival tips, personal stories, and quick quizzes, this book will light the way to a brighter future. This updated edition also features new, never-before-seen content including a chapter about how to talk to parents, an epilogue, and an exclusive Q&A with the author.