Do Mirrors Set off Your hypervigilance?

[EveHarrington]

I have this awesome print on a mirror that I absolutely love. It’s in storage right now and I’ve been debating on selling it. It just struck me that I should let it go as mirrors set off my hypervigilance. Mirrors in bathrooms and dressing rooms are ok. Mirrors in my bedroom are not ok. Noticing my bathroom mirror when I’m in my dining room is not ok (I have to run and shut the door).

I’m just wondering if anyone else has this kind of mirror issue? I know it boils down to mirrors showing unexpected movement (which is just me anyway) that sets off my hypervigilance.

 

[lostforgottensoul]

I’m just wondering if anyone else has this kind of mirror issue?

Yes! I think for me is not wanting to look at myself but yes! I have no mirrors except in the bathroom and that one I do my hardest to not look into it. I don't know why I don't cover it up. Easier then brushing my teeth with my eyes closed.

But my dad and step mom used to live with me and they put this stupid mirror at the end of the hallway. It was insanely difficult for me. Walking down the hallway turning my head so that I don't see the mirror or just closing my eyes and feel my way down the hallway. I made it a point to tell him to take that stupid thing with him when he moved. The only mirror now is in the bathroom.

You are so not the only one that struggles with mirrors.

 

[Jade-]

Walking past mirrors or seeing one across a room when I'm symptomatic is difficult. It always catches me off guard and startles me.It doesn't matter if I know I'm the only one home and it's just my own reflection,my brain doesn't seem to think or feel the same way.My brain tends to take that sudden movement as a threat and danger.

I'm fine looking into a mirror at myself.If I am intentionally planning to check my hair,face,clothing,etc.But going up to one(when symptomatic) is a whole different ballgame.

 

[TruthSeeker]

Walking past mirrors or seeing one across a room when I'm symptomatic is difficult. It always catches me off guard and startles me.It doesn't matter if I know I'm the only one home and it's just my own reflection,my brain doesn't seem to think or feel the same way.My brain tends to take that sudden movement as a threat and danger.

I'm fine looking into a mirror at myself.If I am intentionally planning to check my hair,face,clothing,etc.But going up to one(when symptomatic) is a whole different ballgame.

When I moved into my new house, there was one on the back of the door. No one else lived there but me, but that mirror was horrible.
I almost got rid of it...but I didn't and after about a year, hypervigilance quieted, and the mirror wasn't a problem.....but I'd scare myself with the unexpected moving reflection.

 

[shatter eyes]

I dont have mirror in washroom and my room. There is a large one in the living room but its ignore and not in direct view. Actually i do have a small mirror in room that is tilted away and when i want to see how bad my stress plucking is i would tilt the mirror to see, hoping it will stop me from picking. I wake up and most of one brow is plucked.

Before the PTSd and TBI i had no problems with mirrors. It is interesting to myself.....is that you? Thats me? Oh hi hello...

 

[TruthSeeker]

My life w trauma (medical trauma first), then the religious trauma, more medical trauma, and then came the men.....and their abuse. I can remember looking at myself in the mirror before the first trauma, combing my hair....it was quite long then, as it is now, and smiling at myself in the mirror.....I thought the nicest feature I had was my long hair...otherwise....I was just average in looks. That mattered then, now I don't care what I look like.....guess I should......

 

[Innordinate]

? I know it boils down to mirrors showing unexpected movement

yep
dont do mirrors.

i think id get rid of all reflective material if it was possible but mirrors are the worst.

i do like windows though, if i ever have to walk anywhere in the city to check reflections for dangers....
but not in my house
especially at night

doesnt usually set off my hypervigilence but once i am hyper vigilant mirrors make it a million times worse