Are You Hypervigilant?
Briefly

Hypervigilance is a heightened state of alertness where individuals are constantly on guard for potential dangers. While a degree of vigilance is necessary for safety, hypervigilance often stems from experiences of trauma or violence and can manifest in individuals with anxiety disorders, PTSD, or OCD. This heightened awareness, which might serve a protective purpose in threatening environments, ultimately leads to distress and hinders normal functioning. Recognizing and addressing hypervigilance is crucial for mental well-being and recovery.
Hypervigilance, while sometimes adaptive, can turn into a debilitating state of constant alertness, hindering one’s ability to live a normal life.
Individuals who have lived through trauma or violence often experience hypervigilance, as their heightened awareness is an attempt to protect themselves from potential threats.
Vigilance is necessary in certain professions; however, when it escalates into hypervigilance, it becomes a source of distress rather than a tool for safety.
Hypervigilant behaviors may include being overly watchful, constantly scanning for threats, and anticipating danger even in safe environments.
Read at Psychology Today
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