I was bullied as a kid grades 5 through grade 9. I think it plays a part in my anxiety today (my Dad was a huge factor as well). I used to make up reasons not to go to school, and used to worry about it quite a bit.
The bullying wasn't on a daily basis, and it got less in the latter grades, but, it happened.
When I hit grade 8, I was getting tired of getting picked on, so, I started doing push ups, and got some weights, and focused my energy that way. I got strong fast, and by grade ten, I was one of the strongest kids in the school.
I started to push back, and in grade 11, I shared a class with one of my childhood "friends" who bullied me in grade 8. He was a year older but failed a grade.
I didn't beat him up, but I pushed him around a bit and showed him who was boss.
I ran into another "friend" from grade seven who was a bullying me from grade 5-7. We had some history, it's a long story, but basically he wrecked my car, and wanted me to take the blame.
Since I didn't, he spread the word that I should "watch my back". So when I ran into him, I knew shit was going to go down...
It did, he sucker punched me...so...I broke my fist in his face, and on the top of his head, and he ended up getting stitches on his face. I saw him in the hospital, since we were both in need of medical attention, and I stared him down across the emergency room admissions, to let him know, I got some more...just come and get it!
I still can get anxiety if I feel a fight might break out, and I do my best to prevent violent situations...but I will fight if I have to...