Triggered! News of Bullying Allegations Regarding Meghan Markle

Have you ever been triggered by either a news story, a comment, a person or even a place?  I have experienced childhood bullying and the news story of the alleged bullying by Meghan Markle totally triggered me.                                 

Unfortunately, I was mentally, emotionally, and physically bullied by a student in grades 2 and 4.  This is when I first experience crippling anxiety and dread.  I believe that this bullying set the stage  for future bullying and significantly contributed to my anxiety and panic disorder.  The amount of shame I felt was intense and I felt completely helpless. There is now scientific evidence that bullying can contribute to anxiety, PTSD and depression[i].  In fact, I was diagnosed with PTSD from a psychologist I was being treated by.

I was reading an article about the alleged bullying by Meghan Markle to her staff when she was a working royal.  The article explained how many of her employees quit their jobs and some are still suffering the effects of being severely bullied.  Even her husband, Prince Harry, wrote in his book called Spare that employees would often put their heads on their desks and cried!  Oddly enough, Prince Harry did not think that was bullying!  I don’t know if it is because their employees were not in the same social class as them?  Contempt is a feeling by the bully and that justifies their actions[ii].  Can their ignorance get any worse?  YES!  So by this time, there is a lot of complaints regarding Meghan and Prince William hears about it and he goes and talks to Harry.  This is all documented very well in the book, Spare.  Prince William is concerned about the bullying allegations and he stands up for the victims.  Yes, that’s right!  He is a hero, my hero.  However, the media never picks up on this for some odd reason.  The discussion between the two brothers gets heated and a necklace and a dog bowl is broken.  This is the crazy, insane part of the story – Harry is mad at William!  He is not concerned about his employees at all!!!!!!  I can imagine him saying, “William, they are just peasants, I don’t think they have feelings.  They are lucky to be in our divine presence.”  Oh boy, there is more!  Prince Harry and Meghan Markle often talk about mental health!!!!!  How insane is that?

I can feel for the employees.  It is an imbalance of power, an abuse of power.  There is nothing worse than feel like your life is crumbling into pieces as your self esteem is shattered.  There is only anxiety and dread all day and all night.  It would ruin not only their work life but their personal life as well.

I have been bullied as an adult in the workforce and I did not have the self esteem to stand up for myself.  It gave me horrible anxiety at a time I thought I was able to get it under control.  I went to therapy and my doctor increase my medication.  I found a new job as soon as I could.

Bullying is not regal, it is abuse.  Simple as that. 

[i] Can Bullying Cause Anxiety Disorders? – Better Your Life

[ii] The Bully, the Bullied and the Bystander Paperback – Aug. 18 2003

by Barbara Coloroso