Bullying victim opens up about former abuse and recovery from depression

By Staff Writer

As a result of incessant bullying, many teens suffer from severe bouts of depression, anxiety and even suicidal thoughts. In an effort to prevent other teens from feeling helpless, high school student Kate McGlynn-Moore spoke with The Daily Courier about her past experiences.

McGlynn-Moore also suffers from bipolar disorder, which she believes may have been triggered by the harassment she endured, although the condition may not be the cause. She told the news source that her mental health degraded to a point which she began cutting her wrists and thighs in order to cope.

Her recovery began after teachers noticed how sullen she was, and she increasingly only wore black. McGlynn-Moore was later hospitalized for cutting, and then started various therapies, which ultimately led to her gaining self-esteem, according to the news provider.

Today, the teen regularly attends a parenting workshop where she talks openly about self-harm.

According to research conducted by PBS, major depression affects approximately 15 million American adults or about 8 percent of the U.S. population age 18 and older in a given year. In addition, about 4 percent of adolescents develop serious depression each year.