Vulnerability is an attribute that few are comfortable with revealing. We’re taught from a young age not to cry, not to be scared, not to admit when we’re sad or depressed. We are expected to just pick ourselves up by the bootstraps and carry on like nothing happened. So, when you know you need to be vulnerable and when you want to be but you are afraid it will push away those closest to you, it creates angst and internal struggles. Some compartmentalize those feelings; some push them down to let fester; and others act out. It could be anger, violence, substance abuse or even self-harm and suicide.