Hyper-Independence: A Trauma Response Disguised as Strength

[Shree]

Some people avoid asking for help, believing they must handle everything alone. While independence is valuable, extreme self-reliance often stems from past disappointments or fear of vulnerability. Learning to trust others is an important part of healing. How do you navigate the balance between self-sufficiency and accepting support?

 

[Hazel]

Hyper-independence often stems from trauma, where individuals develop a belief that relying on others makes them vulnerable. While it can appear as strength, it may prevent emotional connections, leading to isolation, burnout, and unaddressed psychological wounds.

 

[Mike]

This issue has been with me for years now, and the realization just occurred to me lately. I have always thought that asking for help was a weakness. I had to learn to trust others and that getting someone to help doesn't mean that I'm incapable.

 

[Flower]

Hyper-independence is a trauma and I feel that pretty well. People who have been subjected to trauma have difficulty asking for assistance almost as though trying to show that they are strong enough to tackle everything on their own.