Editor’s Note: This article was contributed by student Katherine Weiss. A special thanks to her for this well done article, and we are always aceepting student submissions. Send them to clarion.central@gmail.com or clarion@sinclair.edu. Enjoy the following article!
The idea of being vulnerable has become a negative personality trait due to the feelings it causes us.
Some might say it is scary because it causes us to reflect on the feelings of shame, happiness, worthlessness and the thoughts that we create about ourselves. The list could go on forever, and I’m sure everyone here has felt one of the thousands of different emotions vulnerability brings out in us.
Throughout my life, the feeling of empathy has crossed my way one too many times. During my childhood, the validation of my emotions was limited causing me to become toxic to myself and others around me.
In our society, there is a large stigma that is placed on mental health, causing many people not to seek help. Recent events in our community have shown us how true this is.
For example, Connor Betts, the student who attended Sinclair and had thoughts of suicide, of hurting others and feeling worthless did not seek that help. The help that is constantly being ignored could be going to your school counselor, creating goals and exercise.
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Sinclair provides free counseling services to students, giving them words of encouragement, advice and referrals to other resources and centers that can provide additional treatment. They are located in Building 10, Room 424 and can be reached at (937)-512-3032.
Without emotional exposure or that unstable feeling, we would not be able to find the birthplace of creativity, love, belonging and courage. The connection that you experience each day, whether it be something as simple as seeing a cute baby, watching a puppy or coming home to your loving wife or husband is vastly important for our mental well-being.
The emotion that is felt and often not appreciated could be the start of a whole new mindset. When I first started practicing the state of being vulnerable, I was 16 and being dragged 20 minutes every other week to talk to a therapist.
As the months went on, therapy became something that I enjoyed. Being able to share that emotional bond and connection with Marci Gunn, my therapist, helped me realize that every emotion that we go through throughout our lives, we are meant to feel.
One thing that has helped me through the feelings of not being good enough, severe panic attacks and that sea of uncertainty is recognizing the emotion and then deciding how I want to attack or enjoy it.
Attending to your own emotions instead of pushing them to the side allows you to build your confidence. Even if you have not experienced any of these emotions or are in denial, I encourage each and every one of you to reach out and to speak on the emotions that make you feel alone.
Katherine Weiss
Contributing Writer