Breaking the Cycle: Sylvia Bruce on Overcoming Bullying and Mental Health Struggles
Episode Overview
Sylvia shares her experiences of childhood bullying and the lasting impact on her mental well-being. The coercive control in her marriage led to further emotional distress and breakdown of her mental health. Despite enduring severe hardships, including a battle with cervical cancer and workplace bullying, Sylvia found the strength to rebuild her life and support survivors of sexual abuse and rape. Sylvia advocates for Anti-Bullying Awareness Week, empowering others to speak out and seek help. Her transformative journey led her to become an integrative counsellor, coach, and master coach, specializing in fostering a community of support and resilience.
I'm grateful to it because it's enabled me to do what I do now.
Imagine facing bullying not just as a child, but well into adulthood. That's the reality for Sylvia Bruce, a former banking executive with a deep love for horses. In this episode of 'RAW CHATTER!', Sylvia sits down with host Vicky Midwood to unpack her life-long battle with bullying. From schoolyard taunts to workplace harassment, Sylvia's story is a raw and eye-opening look at the insidious nature of bullying and its lasting impact on mental health.
She opens up about how these experiences led to disordered eating, severe emotional distress, and even suicide attempts. But Sylvia's journey doesn't end there. She found the strength to turn her pain into purpose, becoming an integrative counsellor and coach who specializes in supporting survivors of sexual abuse and rape. Her passion for change extends to the equestrian world, where she advocates against bullying within the community.
With Anti-Bullying Week approaching, this episode is a timely reminder of the importance of speaking out and supporting one another. If you've ever felt alone in your struggles or are looking for inspiration to overcome your own challenges, Sylvia's story is a testament to resilience and the power of community.