Hypervigilance and surroundings question...?

[Digz]

I have a question, I'm wondering if anybody knows the answer. I have a huge unawareness of my surroundings at times, including not remembering features of places I've been to daily. I'm not sure of the cause of this. It could possibly be a dissociative thing, but I also wondered if it could be to do with hypervigilance? Like, because I'm attuned to focusing on signs of danger so much, that I automatically filter out things that don't fit that category?
Anybody else have this unawareness of their surroundings?

 

[Skywatcher]

I would look up derealization and depersonalization. I have experienced what you are describing. Usually after a bad emdr session, a trigger in my environment or times when I am under a lot of stress.

 

[Movingforward10]

Interesting.
I don't have words of wisdom but would say I'm exactly the opposite! I can remember locations incredibly well. If I've been somewhere once it is etched in my brain. But people?! Nope! I have massive problems remembering faces.
And i think I get very stressed by people (men) and am on high alert around them (particularly groups of men).

No idea how our brains work.

I suppose the question is: is this causing you a problem in your life? And if it is, maybe someone on here has ideas why and tips on how to manage.
Sorry I don't.

 

[Digz]

It's not exactly a huge problem, other than being embarrassed when someone asks me if I have a bookshelf in my office that I've been in for a year and I say, 'I don't know'... then they discover a bookshelf with my book actually sitting on them! lol It's interesting @Movingforward10 that you are the opposite. I remember faces a lot better, names if I make a conscious effort, but my surroundings tend to not be a factor. Certain faces can stress me out too, particularly men with moustaches. Anyway, it was more of a curiosity than anything else. :)

 

[Digz]

Just asked my T at the end of a session. He thinks it's likely more a derealisation/dissociation thing. Have to try and be more mindful to maybe reduce this impact. Thanks for all your responses! :)