Being made fun of or teased can be tough.

What can sometimes even feel tougher is knowing what to do when people make fun of you. It might feel like the world is against you, but it's important to remember that you're not alone.

Understanding why people behave hurtfully and knowing how to respond can make a big difference in how to deal with being made fun of— let’s explore some techniques and tools to help you navigate what to do when people make fun of you.

Understanding Hurtful Behaviour

The first thing to know is that when you’re being made fun of by someone, it's often more about them than it is about you.

They might be feeling insecure or unhappy about something that’s happening in their own lives, and putting others down makes them feel better temporarily. Think about when a dog barks out of fear or anxiety – it's not about the person they're barking at, it's about them trying to protect themselves or their owners.

So, the first step in what to do when people make fun of you is to recognize that their behaviour says more about them than it does about you. It doesn't mean you're not awesome or worthy of respect; it just means they're dealing, or not dealing, with their own stuff.

The Initial Response

When you find yourself in the crossfire of someone's teasing, or struggling to make friends, try to remember to keep your calm.

Take a deep breath, count to 10, and try not to let their words or actions get under your skin.

Reacting impulsively might feel satisfying in the moment, but that’s the thing, it is momentary. It usually just makes things worse in the long run.

Setting boundaries is one of the most important things to do when learning what to do when people make fun of you, and it is best done with a level head.

Processing Your Feelings

Feeling upset when someone makes fun of you is completely normal. It's okay to feel sad, angry, or embarrassed and wondering how to not be made fun of — those emotions are a natural response to hurtful words or actions.

First things first, give yourself permission to feel your feelings. Don't brush them aside or pretend they're not there. Allow yourself to experience them fully, whether that means having a good cry or punching a pillow (in a safe way, of course).

Next, be kind to yourself. Practice self-compassion by reminding yourself that it's okay to be affected by what others say or do. You're only human, after all, and nobody likes to feel picked on.

Take some time to think about why their words or actions got to you. Was it something they said that hit a nerve? Did it remind you of past experiences? Understanding why you feel the way you do can help you know how to handle being made fun of, address any underlying issues, and move forward in a healthier way.

Seeking Support

When you're feeling down because of hurtful comments or actions from others, reaching out for support can make a world of difference.

You don't have to go through it alone – there are people who care about you and want to help you cope and learn what to do when people make fun of you so they can best support you.

Trusted Friends

Good friends are there for a reason – they love and support you no matter what. Reach out to them to share how you are feeling and lean on them when you're feeling low.

Talking about your experiences with your friends allows them to step in and support you.

In turn, you will be surrounded by positive people who genuinely care about you, who will step in to boost your spirits or provide a welcome distraction, and who will remind you that you're not alone in this.

Support Groups

Sometimes, talking to people who have been through similar experiences, and who ‘get it’, can be incredibly comforting.

By connecting with others who have walked a similar path, in a support group or community, you’ll have listening ears to share your story with, and you’ll get to hear their experiences, too. If you’re looking for perspective, solidarity and proven strategies for overcoming this, this could be a helpful option for you.

There are lots of online forums and local meetups, depending on where you live, where you can find a supportive community to help you cope with hurtful behaviour.

Therapist

If you're struggling to cope on your own, don't hesitate to seek professional help from a therapist or counsellor.

They’re trained to help people just like you work through their emotions and learn strategies to cope with your situation. Many (like us!) even allow you to book a free consultation so you can get a feel for their approach before starting.

Therapy can also provide a safe space for you to explore underlying issues and trauma, build resilience, and learn how to deal with hurtful behaviour in a constructive way through specific approaches like anxiety therapy.

Ultimately, you don't have to have it all figured out on your own – reaching out for help is a brave and important step towards your healing all in and of itself.

Setting Boundaries

When you set boundaries, you help protect your well-being and ensure that you're treated fairly, kindly and with respect. Here are some ways you can establish and maintain healthy boundaries:

Verbal Boundaries

It's important to clearly communicate to others what kind of language or behaviour is not okay with you. If you’re in a situation where someone is saying something that hurts you, don't be afraid to use your voice - whether you feel comfortable and safe speaking up, or whether it’s for communicating to the people around you to help remove you from the situation.

Emotional Boundaries

Protecting your emotional well-being is essential. It’s how you safeguard yourself and your overall mental health. Learn to recognize when you need to step back from hurtful situations or people. It’s okay to take a break or some space.

Try to detach yourself emotionally from other people’s opinions or actions, and instead put your focus on self-validation and knowing your worth.

Set boundaries around how much emotional energy you invest in negative interactions, and remember that it's okay to walk away and prioritize your own sense of peace.

Time Boundaries

It's also important to be protective of your time when it comes to dealing with situations or people that trigger feelings of being made fun of.

Allow yourself specific times where you can engage with these situations, and limit the amount of time overall that you spend dwelling on these negative experiences. This may be easier said than done, which is why seeking therapy can be a helpful tool when looking to refocus your energies.

Self-Care Boundaries

Finally, prioritize self-care practices that support your physical, emotional, and mental well-being.

You’ll nourish your soul by establishing routines that help you manage stress and cultivate resilience, especially when you’re experiencing times of emotional distress.

Set aside time for activities that you love and that boost your confidence, whether it's spending time with loved ones, pursuing hobbies you enjoy, or just taking a moment to relax and unwind.

Remember, taking care of yourself is not selfish – it's essential for your overall happiness and well-being.

Seek Support from a Therapist

If you continue to find that you’re struggling to cope, always remember to ask for support when you need it. Therapy provides a safe and supportive space to explore your emotions and develop coping strategies. Your mental health is important, so prioritize it and ask for help when needed.

Explore our Hamilton, Ontario counselling services so you can feel heard, and understood, and work towards positive change with a support system by your side.