Absolutely, I have felt helpless. Usually in that situation as a child I would immediately after it happened start imaging I was someone different or I'd start imagining stories with characters that exist in a different world. I'd draw pictures as well. I never actually took time to reflect on the situation until after I had been out of it for a little while. Sometimes, I'd imagine that someone was looking for me. I convinced myself that someone out there was just as lost as I was and needed my friendship. I would imagine that my dad isn't really my dad and there was a man out there who was desperately searching for me and would protect me from my mom. Now that I'm older, it really hurts because I know he's not coming and all I have is this guy who caters to my mom and ignores me.

As for handling bullies, I eventually just started eating lunch in the bathroom and not talking to anyone. Then, I'd go home and cry myself to sleep because I felt so lonely.

I wish I knew what you could do in a helpless situation.