Hypervigilence

[LadyLazarus35]

Just so you all know, I am new here. If I mess up, tell me nicely, thank you.

I have cptsd or rr-ptsd as some like to call it. I was hostage to my huband's violence for nearly 3 years. I survived only to find that I haven't really survived at all. I am trapped in ptsd and relive thing over and over. I am using EMDR as a therapy.

I have a lot of trouble with hypervigilence. I feel constantly on guard. Sometimes it is so bad that I can't barely live with myself. It is the hardest part of this illness for me. I do cut back on caffiene and all the suggestions people give me. It would be great to hear some feedback from all of you. Thank you in advance.

 

[doglover]

Find things that soothe you. For me, it's petting my dog, warm tea, nice smells, bubble baths, professional massages, laughing with friends. For you it may be something else.

Your hypervigilance is likely to get better when you feel safe, so anything you can do to feel safe should help somewhat. Remind yourself that you are here, now and not in the past with the abuse. Put every bit of attention on what is in front of you - eat an orange while focusing on every minute detail of the taste, the fine movements of chewing the sections, how it feels in your hand, etc. See how you might apply that approach to other sights, sounds, colors, textures around you in your present moment.

Hope some of that will help you, and welcome - this is a great place to heal.

 

[Lady of Longbourn]

You are not alone with having it. Its common with PTSD, many here can relate! :)

The thing that works well for me is planning. I plan my whole day in advance, with plenty of time for getting late. So then if I am late, I am not so very late. Then my stress level wont go up as high. Then I am less likly to become hypervigilence.

I spend a lot of time looking over my shoulder when I walk. Walking fast. Not going outdoors ( Had to take Rx vitamin D for a while because of that. ) I close the blinds. etc.

Going a little at a time is helpful too. If you keep isolating yourself, and not going out, out of fear, it will just get worse. Find somewhere to go...coffee shop, library, bookstore...that you feel more comfortable. And have a specific time you go there every week. It will get easier with time. Most importantly here is to not get into that rut of never leaving your house.

Other then that...I am not sure. I am sure others will have better instight.

Hope I helped some.

 

[survivor101]

Just so you all know, I am new here. If I mess up, tell me nicely, thank you.

I have cptsd or rr-ptsd as some like to call it. I was hostage to my huband's violence for nearly 3 years. I survived only to find that I haven't really survived at all. I am trapped in ptsd and relive thing over and over. I am using EMDR as a therapy.

I have a lot of trouble with hypervigilence. I feel constantly on guard. Sometimes it is so bad that I can't barely live with myself. It is the hardest part of this illness for me. I do cut back on caffiene and all the suggestions people give me. It would be great to hear some feedback from all of you. Thank you in advance.

I am the same way. I was abused all throughout my childhood, teen and adult life until the last 6 years. I've been divorced (3 rd time) for 19 years now. I keep all my blinds shut and always checking in closets, etc. My son is the largest contributor to my PTSD and panic disorder. He's never been kind and is the only child I have. Sometimes, I wish I'd never had him. Filed a PFA against him and his wife and now they're taking ME to court. It never ends. He's 35 and EVIL. I drink decaf and take xanax, paxil and Buspar.

 

[kimba]

Never feeling safe enough is very common unfortunately. It is something I just started working in T on. I am like Ayesha in that I plan ahead and watch alot. Hypervigilence is exhausting and hard to change once it sets in.

 

[lisamarie]

I am definitely hanging onto every suggestion in this thread. Hypervigilance/jumpiness is one of the worst parts of my PTSD as well.

 

[ikop]

[DLMURL]https://www.ptsdforum.org/c/threads/ganaxolone-for-ptsd-clinical-study.20352/[/DLMURL]
maybe this would help you .
try it.
ganaxolone - they say it is like benzo but without the side effects .
go to the trial - and tell us the results.