Vulnerability: meaning in the dictionary and psychology

George Alvarez 31-05-2023
George Alvarez

Vulnerability But do you have the courage to admit that you are vulnerable, that you are in a relationship that may disappoint you, that you are changing jobs without knowing how you will be accepted in another? Is being vulnerable really being weak?

So, the vulnerability is closely linked to courage It means to be always ready to fight, to face threatening situations, and to overcome yourself daily. It means not to put off your problems and to be strong enough to face them and find a solution, even in your own imperfect way.

Therefore, vulnerability overlaps with what is described in the dictionary. Being vulnerable is the courage to always be open to new experiences and to have that personal satisfaction of duty done.

Vulnerability in the dictionary

It is not by chance that vulnerability is understood as something negative, for in the dictionary the word vulnerable is the adjective of one who "tends to be hurt, damaged, or defeated; fragile; can be hurt.

Etymologically, vulnerability comes from the Latin "vulneratio", which is that which can be hurt, and is thus directly related to being susceptible to physical or emotional harm.

For you, what does it mean to be vulnerable?

First of all, the most difficult thing is to assume to be vulnerable And before we know it, we spend our lives in a vicious circle, trying to make certain everything that is, in fact, uncertain.

Does this all sound familiar? Think back to everything you have ever deprived yourself of simply for fear of being vulnerable, of feeling ashamed of yourself. As a result, you can't to have a full and happy life for the simple fear of trying.

What is the meaning of emotional vulnerability in psychology?

Emotional vulnerability, for psychology, is a state in which the person feels exposed in situations that cause them pain and suffering. In this sense, they feel unable to overcome, mostly by fear of being labeled as weak .

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In this way, the person who identifies with the state of being vulnerable ends up closing himself in his "little world", thus entering into a painful process of victimization and reclusion, disconnecting from life for fear of not fitting in.

What can emotional vulnerability cause?

The first consequences of vulnerability are feelings of danger, distress and shame of being yourself, someone imperfect. Not succeeding, then, resiliency to deal with situations daily .

As a result, you find yourself endlessly searching for the perfect, the certainty that something will happen. But it all boils down to uncertain and imperfect people and situations And then you will find that, first, change must start by working on your self-knowledge.

The list of consequences on emotional vulnerability can be extensive But for you to understand that it is not a simple fragility, here are some examples that it can cause:

  • loneliness;
  • frustration;
  • anxiety;
  • depression;
  • negativism;
  • boredom;
  • approval;
  • perfectionism;
  • stress;
  • anger;
  • prejudices.

Anxiety disorder and vulnerability; causes and consequences

The lack of acceptance of life's adversities and of one's inner self can bring disastrous emotional health consequences, such as anxiety disorder Which has a direct connection with deviations linked to inability to deal with vulnerability .

Anxiety disorders are considered to be a serious illness, anxiety is primarily perceived when it exceeds acceptable levels. In other words, it goes far beyond that little butterflies in the stomach on a date.

In short, this disorder presents its first signs when it is noticeable that the person feels an excessive anguish, always anticipating that something will happen. And, most of the time, that it will be something negative.

Relationship between vulnerability and courage

Being vulnerable, regardless of the circumstance, should not be seen as something painful and uncomfortable, but rather as necessary for life, symbol of courage After all, nothing is guaranteed and it is up to you to be willing to face new experiences head on, good or bad.

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Examples of this is the willingness to invest in a love relationship, even if you know it can go wrong. The courage to move to another city, without being sure that you will adapt.

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It's all about you stop controlling and trying to predict every situation Although vulnerability can bring fear and frustration, it is also the cause of creativity, joy, and love - in short, of all the pleasures that life can bring you.

Emotional exposure and vulnerability

To expose yourself is emotionally tied to being faced with failure, disappointment, weakness, and, what may be worse, criticism. However, not accepting vulnerability and letting the fear of exposure overwhelm you will prevent you from:

  • new achievements;
  • personal achievements;
  • dreams;
  • love.

There is no right path to follow, obstacles exist to be overcome. Facing challenges and being in vulnerable situations, is have the courage to be imperfect But in the end you know that you are dealing with your own truth, in search of what makes you happy.

After all, who has never suffered from not being initiated into love relationships for the simple fear of being rejected? Or distressed by waiting for the hospital call when waiting for a disgnosis? The difference is to know how to deal with these vulnerabilities, because, after all, we live in a vulnerable world .

Therefore, the time has come for us to stop trying to cover up our vulnerabilities and face them, no longer throwing everything under the rug. Until we accept who we are, errant and insecure beings, it will be impossible to have fullness and happiness throughout life .

So, to discover that vulnerability within you can occur, but it is up to you to have the courage to find the courage to be imperfect. So, to understand vulnerability and face it, you must first start with your self-knowledge.

However, improving self-knowledge may not be an easy task, but the experience of family constellation can be essential. The experience of a family constellation is able to provide the student and the patient/client with insights into themselves that would be virtually impossible to obtain on their own.

However, get to know our Family and Systemic Constellation training course, 100% on-line (www.constelacaoclinica.com). Soon, you will be able to improve your self-knowledge and also improve your interpersonal relationships.

George Alvarez

George Alvarez is a renowned psychoanalyst who has been practicing for over 20 years and is highly regarded in the field. He is a sought-after speaker and has conducted numerous workshops and training programs on psychoanalysis for professionals in the mental health industry. George is also an accomplished writer and has authored several books on psychoanalysis that have received critical acclaim. George Alvarez is dedicated to sharing his knowledge and expertise with others and has created a popular blog on Online Training Course in Psychoanalysis that is widely followed by mental health professionals and students around the world. His blog provides a comprehensive training course that covers all aspects of psychoanalysis, from theory to practical applications. George is passionate about helping others and is committed to making a positive difference in the lives of his clients and students.