Sunaina Roshan, who has always been extremely vocal about her life, addiction issues, and battle with cancer, recently praised her brother Hrithik Roshan for being consistent with his efforts to overcome his stammering as a child. “He did (go through bullying) for his stammering. I was too young to do (to fight for him). I got married at a young age. He was an introvert, and I was an extrovert. He did a lot to stop stuttering. Hats off to him,” , 53, said.
“I remember, he would wake up at 4.30 am-5 am, do his speech classes, and slowly (managed to) come out of it. When we have an illness issue, we come together in the , support each other, and come out of it,” she told Pinkvilla.
Taking a cue from her admission, let’s understand how speech issues like stammering and the bullying that may come with it can leave a lasting impact. What can be done to come out of it?
Problems like bullying that arise on account of challenges that a person has can be detrimental to their confidence and self-belief, said clinical psychologist Kamna Chhibber.
“When one is made fun of or negatively commented on, it increases distress and can affect moods and make one feel anxious. It can impact and negatively shape the expectations one has of people around them. If negative beliefs about the self become strongly internalised, it can take away from the ability to achieve one’s potential,” said Chhibber.
It is essential to be aware of the rules that can support someone when they face bullying in school, college, or the workplace. “Sensitising people from a young age about differences that may exist between people is important, so they appreciate the varying abilities that people have. Individuals must take much-needed support from others around them,” said Chhibber.
According to Chhibber, it is important to speak and share experiences to modify negative thought patterns that can hold one back. “Maintaining is crucial, as is understanding one’s strengths, which are assets. Being different does not need to be seen as a problem, and that is a mindset shift that adults need to reinforce,” said Chhibber.
