Embracing Vulnerability

It is difficult to stay positive in the face of adversity. One of the main reasons is because adversity can trigger a vulnerable emotion. Many times we don’t recognize when we are feeling vulnerable because we have mastered coping through detachment. But there are those days that too many triggers happen back to back, which can lead to vulnerable emotions such as sadness, anger, and despair. Typically these types of emotions come with negative thoughts such as I am not good enough, this is never going to end and I should have done it differently. 

How do you know when you are vulnerable? One thing that I can tell you is that you will most likely notice changes in your body first. It can show up in a variety of ways such as sudden stomach cramps, tension in your neck and shoulders, sweating, or your eyes well up with tears. You may think that this has come upon you out of nowhere; however, if you think about those times, I am certain that you got bombarded with triggers that led to a vulnerable state. And our body never forgets those times when you have felt the same discomfort in the past, which only compounds what you feel in the present. 

Learning how to recognize when you are vulnerable is important because it helps us figure out how to positively manage our emotions rather than dismiss them. Second, by validating how we are feeling in the moment, we can respond better, decreasing our chances of becoming defensive, aggressive or dismissive in our thoughts and actions towards ourselves and others. Lastly, it helps us to reframe interactions that may have been less painful if we weren't already in a vulnerable state. 

Rachel Rowitt, Ed.D., LMHC, CAP | Grace Counseling, Inc. | Mental Health Blog in Parkland and Coral Springs  

First Responders: A Different Perspective

We often think of firefighter/paramedics as strong, courageous and resourceful. They make a difference in people’s lives whether it’s saving a life, crisis management or just helping a lonely elderly person who has panicked and called them for help. They are pillars of strength offering their kindness, compassion and support when we are going through our traumas.

What we don’t realize is that our trauma has a direct impact on their lives too. While we are so grateful for their presence during our time of need, we rarely think about how they are affected.  Fire Departments usually encounter 2-5 trauma calls during one shift. Each preceding event is as significant as their initial trauma call.  How do you manage the residue from your personal trauma experience? Now, just imagine having to take that trauma with you to the next call. Firefighter/paramedics have bags full of trauma that we don’t notice.  These bags are disguised by their external appearance and our own ideal portrayal of who we think firefighter/paramedics are.

I recently attended a workshop by the Florida Firefighters Safety and Collaborative in Coral Springs, Fl. It was here that I realized just how much more emotional strength than brawn it takes to be a firefighter/paramedic. I listened to stories told by those who exhibited immense courage and commitment to their country. But a first responder’s courage is more than just being willing to run into a burning building, deliver a baby or cut someone out of a car wreck.

Firefighter/paramedics require the courage to share the pain of strangers, the courage to create bonds with their team when away from their families and the courage to seek help to learn how to manage their pain to continue being effective in their profession. Now that I have had this experience, “thank you for your courage” means so much more.

If you are in the helping field please visit this site www.firefightersafety.org and learn how you can attend one of these workshops. It will make a difference in how your treat first responders when they seek your counseling services.


Rachel Rowitt, Ed.D., LMHC, CAP | Grace Counseling, Inc.