What Is A Vulnerability Hangover?

A vulnerability hangover is a concept that has been gaining prominence in the field of mental health. This phenomenon, which was first coined by clinical psychologist Dr. Brene Brown, describes the physical and emotional exhaustion that comes from being emotionally exposed or vulnerable to another person.

At its core, vulnerability hangovers are feelings of uneasiness and insecurity that come after putting yourself out there in an intimate situation. They can be triggered after expressing emotions to someone you trust, such as disclosing your fears or showing affection for them. The feeling of being exposed can leave you feeling vulnerable and uncertain about how they feel about you in return. It can also cause feelings of self-doubt and inadequacy – making it difficult to process the experience properly afterwards.

Definition and Causes

A vulnerability hangover is a term used to describe the emotional, physical, and mental exhaustion that follows an act of vulnerability. Vulnerability requires an individual to open up their heart and soul in order to be seen for who they truly are; an act that can be incredibly freeing and rewarding but also very taxing on our emotional state. Knowing this, it’s important to understand what a vulnerability hangover is and its causes in order to properly care for ourselves both emotionally and physically.

Vulnerability hangovers occur when someone has taken the brave step of being vulnerable with another person or even within themselves. Following this act of courage, many individuals experience feelings of regret, guilt or shame which then leads to physical symptoms such as headaches, fatigue or even nausea.

Symptoms of a Vulnerability Hangover

A vulnerability hangover is a phenomenon that affects many people, yet it is often misunderstood or overlooked. It occurs after you have shared something personal and intimate with another person, leaving you emotionally drained and exhausted. This can lead to feelings of guilt, regret, self-doubt and fear. Learning to recognize the symptoms of a vulnerability hangover is an important part of being able to work through such a state in a healthy and productive way.

The most common symptom of a vulnerability hangover is feeling overwhelmed by strong emotions such as anxiety or guilt. People may also experience physical symptoms such as difficulty concentrating or difficulty in getting out of bed due to fatigue. Other signs include difficulty making decisions, increased sensitivity towards others’ opinions and feelings of inadequacy or unworthiness.

Treatment Strategies

The most important part of treating vulnerability hangovers is to engage in self-care and understanding. Acknowledging the feelings associated with the experience will help to bring relief from the overwhelm and exhaustion that often accompany these events. Self-care practices such as exercise, meditation, yoga, journaling or even getting enough sleep can all make a huge difference when it comes to managing symptoms. Additionally, talking about the experiences with close friends and family members can provide comfort during this time as well.

Conclusion

While vulnerability can be a very healthy emotion, the aftermath of such an experience can be difficult and sometimes dangerous. To avoid experiencing negative consequences from being vulnerable, it’s important to know how to cope with the aftermath of such experiences.

At its core, a vulnerability hangover is simply another form of stress. It’s important to practice self-care in order to manage its effects and prevent it from leading to more serious issues like depression or anxiety.