Therians Facing Bullying in School: How to Stay Strong and True to Yourself

September 6, 2024
Therian

Being a therian in school isn’t always easy. It’s a place where everyone feels pressure to fit in, and standing out can make you a target. For those of us who feel a deep connection to animals, this difference can be something people don’t understand, which sometimes leads to bullying. But being bullied for your therian identity is not something you have to go through alone. In this post, we’ll talk about why bullying happens, how to deal with it, and how to stay strong as a therian.

Why Bullying Happens to Therians

Misunderstanding and Fear of Difference

Bullying often starts with fear or misunderstanding. People can be cruel when they don’t understand something, and that’s especially true in school. As therians, we feel connected to animals in a way that not everyone else does. Maybe it’s the way we talk about animals or how we express our identity that sets us apart. For some people, this difference is something they can’t handle, and instead of trying to understand, they react by bullying.

People Who Feel Insecure Project onto Others

Often, bullies target others because they’re insecure themselves. They see someone who’s comfortable with being different—like a therian—and they feel threatened by it. Their way of dealing with their own insecurities is to try to bring others down. But here’s the truth: their behavior has nothing to do with you and everything to do with their own issues.

How to Deal with Bullying as a Therian

Find Your Support System

Look for Understanding Friends

One of the best ways to handle bullying is to surround yourself with people who get it. Look for friends who are open-minded and supportive, whether they’re therians or just people who appreciate you for who you are. Having even one or two close friends who understand can make all the difference.

Join Online Therian Communities

If you’re struggling to find people in your school who understand, online therian communities can be a lifeline. There are many places where you can talk with others who feel the same way you do, share experiences, and get advice on how to handle tough situations. Knowing you’re not alone can give you the strength to get through the bullying.

Remember: Your Identity is a Strength, Not a Weakness

Embrace Your Therian Identity

Bullies will try to make you feel like your therian identity is something to be ashamed of, but it’s actually a part of your strength. Feeling connected to animals and the natural world is something special, something powerful. When people mock that part of you, it’s because they don’t understand how deep and meaningful it really is.

Your Journey of Self-Discovery is Yours Alone

No one gets to define who you are but you. Bullies may try to label you or make you feel "weird," but their opinions don’t determine your worth. You’re on your own journey of self-discovery as a therian, and that’s something no one can take away from you. Stay true to yourself, even when others try to tear you down.

How to Stay Strong as a Therian Facing Bullying

  1. Find Allies: Look for friends who support you, either at school or online. Don’t go through this alone—build a support system that understands and appreciates you.
  2. Speak Up: If the bullying becomes too much, talk to someone about it—whether it’s a teacher, counselor, or parent. You have the right to feel safe and respected.
  3. Join a Therian Community: Connect with other therians online for support, advice, and understanding. It can make a world of difference to talk to people who share your experiences.
  4. Focus on Self-Care: When bullying takes a toll, take time to care for yourself. Whether it’s through meditation, nature walks, or creative expression, find ways to ground yourself and reconnect with what makes you feel strong.
  5. Embrace Who You Are: Never feel like you have to hide your therian identity to fit in. Stay true to yourself and remember that the connection you feel to the animal world is something to be proud of.

You’re Stronger Than They Think

At the end of the day, bullying can make school a tough place to be, but it doesn’t define who you are. Your therian identity is a powerful part of you, and no amount of bullying can take that away. Stay true to yourself, seek out those who understand you, and remember that the journey you’re on is one of self-discovery and growth. Bullies might not get it, but that doesn’t matter. What matters is that you do.

Stay strong, stay wild, and never forget that you have a place in this world—one that’s deeply connected to nature, animals, and everything that makes you uniquely you.

Leonie

Hi! I'm Leonie and theriotype is (probably) irimote cat. This is a subspecies of the leopard cat that lives exclusively on the Japanese island of Iriomote. It comes out in my fierce nature but also when I find comfort being tucked in on my sofa. I enjoy making therian fandom artwork in my journal and sharing it with my friends.

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