Avoiding vulnerability is a common impulse control disorders response that ultimately worsens it. Understanding the paradoxical relationship between vulnerability and impulse control disorders opens new pathways for recovery.
How Avoiding Vulnerability Maintains Impulse Control Disorders
- Concealing impulse control disorders from others prevents the connection that would help
- The energy required to maintain a facade when impulse control disorders is high is enormous
- Shame about impulse control disorders thrives in secrecy — vulnerability interrupts this
- Authentic expression of impulse control disorders often elicits the support that reduces it
Brené Brown's Research Relevance to Impulse Control Disorders
Brown's research shows that people with high levels of shame (common in impulse control disorders) avoid vulnerability — which paradoxically increases shame and impulse control disorders. Courage to be vulnerable interrupts this cycle.
Practicing Vulnerability with Impulse Control Disorders
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.