Emotional hypervigilance

Status
Not open for further replies.

Geopolis

Silver Member
I've been learning about the differences between hyperarousal and hypervigilance today. I seem to fit somewhere into both of those classifications to some degree but what really struck me was an article on Emotional Hypervigilance.

You know that phrase "take the temperature of the room?" Well I'm a living breathing thermometer always scanning for the next threat. At times I'm aware that I'm using this tool (as I've always called it... like its a gift) to camouflage or mimic those around me for acceptance. I think I just realized how much energy I use maintaining this state of awareness. Maybe that has something to do with the utter mental exhaustion I feel after being awake for 6 or so hours. Or even more so when in social situations.

I'm pretty sure it extends beyond in localized interactions. I find myself emotionally over-relating to basically any human, even on TV. Then I look at myself from their (perceived) emotional state and shame the hell out of myself.

Does anyone else experience this?
 
Yeah, I do. For a long moment it didn’t mean anything to me. It was a wall of noise that was constantly threatening me and I had very few spots to hold on to manage this. It’s since I decided it was information and not a threat that it did improve. But I still have triggers that will place me back there. It’s generally when I’m sad or depressed enough this reduces and I can read people more effectively. If I’m energetic chances are that I’ll read interactions as being threatening. It’s very tiring.
 
I've been learning about the differences between hyperarousal and hypervigilance today. I seem to fit somewhere into both of those classifications
Oh heck yeah. It's why I call it the three year old disease. It's so easy to get overloaded and then its no sleep time cranky me time.
Where I am now, I recognize when those hyper things are active. Sometimes I need to pause and work to slow them down - other times its no use. Groups of people and family? Just try to keep it down some or get the hell out is it gets too much. When it gets to be too much? quiet place, quiet thoughts, lights low, focus on something like a book and prepare to have a crapy day the next day. It's one of the places medical cannabis works for me. It helps slow things down to where I can handle it, or bombs it into submission - with the added benefit that it helps me sleep or at least rest.
 
Status
Not open for further replies.

2025 Donation Goal

Help Keep MyPTSD Alive! Our annual donation goal is crucial to continue providing support. If you find value in our resource, please contribute to ensure we remain online and available for everyone who needs us.
Goal
$1,600.00
Received
$220.00
13%

Trending content

Featured content

Back
Top