Empower others to seek help with #StrengthInVulnerability
“Vulnerability is about showing up and being seen. It’s tough to do that when we’re terrified about what people might see or think.” — Brené Brown
What do you associate with the term vulnerability? Perhaps it’s weakness, a failure, or even fear. These thoughts and feelings can come up when we reveal aspects of ourselves to others. We build walls up to prevent others from looking in. However, it takes more strength and courage to show our authentic selves than it does to stay caged in.
Ahead of Suicide Prevention Day, Calm Collective ran a social media campaign #StrengthInVulnerability to encourage individuals to open up about their struggles and how they sought help while empowering others to do the same. Here’s a round-up of what the campaign has taught us thus far:
1. The power of healing loudly
Regardless of what our stories are, how big or small our problems may seem, or where we are in our healing journey, opening up about our struggles gives a voice to others who may be struggling in silence and makes them feel less alone — because not being able to connect with anyone (even a stranger on the internet) during our darkest moments can be devastating.
We are heartened to see comments from people saying that these stories were just what they needed to hear at this moment. We really appreciate every story that our participants have shared and know that this had as much of an impact on others as it did on us.
2. Vulnerability is key to fostering relationships (no matter the type)
Vulnerability is key to fostering a closer, deeper, and more authentic bond with another person. It can also rebuild broken connections. It keeps us honest with each other and ourselves, breaks down walls, eliminates misunderstandings, and allows us to be wholly ourselves.
Vulnerability also allows us to accept the part of ourselves that we buried deeply, and it’s an attempt to share that part with someone else. You’ll soon find that no one expects you to be perfect, and that you don’t have to be in order to be worthy of love.
3. Talk about it in a safe space
Bottling up our feelings won’t make them disappear. Opening up about our struggles can help us stay in the present and better process them. However, don’t feel pressured to do so immediately. Take all the time that you need. Just be assured that there will be someone who will listen — whether it’s a friend, family or mental health professional.
Join our in-person talk on #StrengthInVulnerability: How to ask for help at CalmCon on 8th October
Visit www.calmcon.asia for more information
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With World Mental Health Day coming up in October, we’re extending the duration of our campaign. I’d like to invite you to keep this conversation going by sharing your stories.
Join Calm Collective as we start a movement to break this stigma. Using this hashtag, share how you’ve found #StrengthInVulnerability on your various social media platforms. Add the hashtag #calmcollectiveasia too – we’ll collate the stories and share them at CalmCon 2022!
👉 Your prompt:
How did being vulnerable give you strength?
We'd like to encourage everyone to open up about their struggles (big or small) and empower others to seek the help that they deserve.