Avoiding vulnerability is a common anorexia nervosa response that ultimately worsens it. Understanding the paradoxical relationship between vulnerability and anorexia nervosa opens new pathways for recovery.
How Avoiding Vulnerability Maintains Anorexia Nervosa
- Concealing anorexia nervosa from others prevents the connection that would help
- The energy required to maintain a facade when anorexia nervosa is high is enormous
- Shame about anorexia nervosa thrives in secrecy — vulnerability interrupts this
- Authentic expression of anorexia nervosa often elicits the support that reduces it
Brené Brown's Research Relevance to Anorexia Nervosa
Brown's research shows that people with high levels of shame (common in anorexia nervosa) avoid vulnerability — which paradoxically increases shame and anorexia nervosa. Courage to be vulnerable interrupts this cycle.
Practicing Vulnerability with Anorexia Nervosa
Start small: share one authentic feeling with one trusted person. The feared negative response usually doesn't materialize — and when it doesn't, confidence in vulnerability builds.