October is National Bullying Prevention Month, and October 10th was Mental Health Awareness Day. These moments provide an opportunity to reflect on the impact of bullying and mental health struggles in our communities — and consider what we can do to help those who are struggling. As someone who has faced these burdens head-on, I know all too well the pain and isolation they can bring. Yet, I also believe that with the right support and a message of hope, those who suffer can find the strength to persevere.
Throughout my childhood, I encountered moments of deep hurt due to bullying. Born without arms and legs, I was sometimes treated as different, with taunts that weren’t easy to ignore or forget. To this day, I can still remember some of the exact words and jeers those young bullies used to strike me. By age 10, I felt so broken and burdened by my journey, that I attempted to take my own life. It was a dark period — a very dark period. It’s hard to put into words what it’s like, especially as a young boy, to look at your future and see only struggle, pain, and loneliness. But I am blessed and thankful to say that through the love of my family and discovering God’s plan for my life, I found a reason to keep going — a hope that carried me through.
Today, many young people find themselves in similar places of hopelessness. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), nearly one in five high school students report being bullied at school. This pain often goes hand in hand with mental health challenges; the CDC also reports that nearly 40% of students felt persistently sad or hopeless in 2023. These statistics are more than just numbers — they represent real lives in need of care, compassion and hope.
Bullying often stems from pain. A hurting heart can lash out, leading to a cycle of suffering. I’ve learned that many bullies are themselves victims of hurt, perhaps facing neglect or abuse in their own lives. Now, recognizing this doesn’t excuse their actions — but it helps us respond with empathy rather than anger, and understanding rather than emotion. When we recognize that hurting people hurt others, we can begin to build bridges of compassion, instead of walls of resentment.
This is why I am especially passionate about our upcoming “I Found Hope Dallas” event on October 27 at Mesquite Arena. This gathering is more than just a night of stories and music — it’s a beacon of hope for those who feel alone in their struggles. We aim to reach people on both sides of the bullying experience, offering them a message of forgiveness, healing, and purpose. Through the grace and love of God, I believe that lives can be transformed.
At this event, I will share my story — how I moved from despair to hope, and how others can too. We will also provide resources and encouragement for those facing mental health challenges, reminding them that their lives have value, and that they are not alone. This is a place where the bullied can find strength, and even the bullies can find forgiveness. We believe that every life, no matter how broken, has a purpose.
Yet, to make a lasting difference, we must all play a part in creating a culture of support. We need parents, teachers, friends, and communities to come together to stand against bullying and provide safe places for young people to get the specific help they need. Churches have a crucial role in offering the message of hope and love that can reach those in their darkest moments.
To be sure, there are no quick fixes. Not every story of bullying will end in reconciliation, and not every mental health struggle will be easily overcome. But if we can reach even one person — if we can help one life turn from despair to hope — then our efforts are worth it. Our hope is that “I Found Hope Dallas” will be an event where people find healing and hope.
I am living proof that a life filled with hurt can find purpose. As we mark National Bullying Prevention Month, let us remember those who are suffering, and let us be their voice, their ally, and their hope. Together, we can break the chains of fear and isolation, and help every person see that they are loved beyond measure.
Nick Vujicic is the founder of NickV Ministries, a Christian nonprofit dedicated to spreading the message of hope and faith in Jesus Christ. Despite the culture’s dramatic shift towards digital media, preaching the Gospel to large groups remains profoundly effective. Jesus ministered both one-on-one and to crowds, and NickV Ministries continues to embrace this approach
Since December 2023, the ministry has achieved extraordinary results, with over 45 million people hearing the Gospel and just over one million individuals coming to Christ through in-person events. The ministry’s dedication to both digital evangelism and live events enables us to reach a diverse audience, offering hope and encouragement through multiple platforms.