The Cost of Cruelty – Part Three: Wounded, Not Broken

In the final installment of our Mental Health Awareness Month series, Wounded, Not Broken explores what healing looks like after bullying. We talk about what it takes to rebuild self-worth, how adults and peers can offer support, and why compassion is key to helping young people reclaim their voice.

This wraps up a three-part series that began with Bullying, Behind the Mask, a look at the insecurities and emotional needs that can drive harmful behavior, and The Bruising You Can’t See, which focused on the deep, often invisible toll bullying takes on mental health.

Throughout this series, we’ve drawn on research from the University of Virginia’s Youth Violence Project, insights from Dr. Catherine Bradshaw on school climate and prevention, and community-focused solutions like The Connection Project and the Olweus (OL-vus) Bullying Prevention Program—each offering tools for building safer, more supportive environments.

If you or someone you know is struggling with the emotional toll of bullying, the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline is available 24/7. Just dial 988 for free and confidential support.

You can listen to all three episodes now at AlleghenyMountainRadio.org or on our Facebook page.

I’m Danny Cardwell, and you’re listening to Allegheny Mountain Radio.