FYE QQC 1

Question: Do you think that people shying away from vulnerability is significantly affected by a competitive culture where one’s so-called “weaknesses” may very well be exploited in forms of bullying?

Quote: “When you ask them about belonging, they'll tell you about their most excruciating experiences of being excluded.” This commentary by a psychiatrist on the tendencies of her patients puts into perspective the all too common need for an emotional outlet. With traits like “toughness” and a cool, unwavering composure being valued in the past decades as a supposed sign of strength, showing emotion is often taken as a sign of weakness. The fact that people are even seeing psychiatrists could be taken as a step in the right direction as thy are opening up. This upward trend, if it exists, could persist as the number of mental health clubs, organizations, and awareness groups increase (at least I have noticed an increase) and strive to change the public perspective on vulnerability.

Commentary: The Ted talk reminded me of a life lesson my mother has been trying to instill in me in the past few years as I have been coming into my own person. As part of research for her master’s thesis on ADHD, she learned that individuals with ADHD have rejection sensitivity and take many forms of rejection much worse than neurotypical individuals and are more likely to interpret behaviors not intended as a rejection as a rejection. Hopefully, Dr. Brown’s advice stressing the importance of vulnerability will spur me to be more confident taking risks I previously have been too shy to, such as going out of my way to be sociable and make a solid group of reliable friends to get off on the right foot in the beginning of these next four years.