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