If You Have Thoughts, I Would Be Interested To Hear

[LittleSteve]

Understanding Hypervigilance​

Hypervigilance is a heightened state of awareness where an individual is constantly on alert for potential dangers. This condition often stems from a dysregulated nervous system, frequently linked to traumatic experiences or complex post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

Causes of Hypervigilance​

Hypervigilance can arise from various factors, including:

• Psychological Conditions: PTSD, anxiety disorders, and depression.
• Physical Conditions: Chronic pain conditions like fibromyalgia and hyperthyroidism.
• Traumatic Experiences: Exposure to violence, abuse, or other distressing events, especially during childhood.

Symptoms of Hypervigilance​

Individuals experiencing hypervigilance may exhibit several symptoms, such as:

• Constantly scanning the environment for threats.
• Overreacting to sudden noises or movements.
• Difficulty sleeping or relaxing.
• Increased heart rate and blood pressure.
• Emotional symptoms like anxiety, irritability, and paranoia.

Impact on Daily Life​

Hypervigilance can significantly affect a person's quality of life. It may lead to:

• Impaired memory and difficulty focusing.
• Strained relationships due to excessive suspicion or avoidance of social situations.
• Physical exhaustion from prolonged states of alertness.

Managing Hypervigilance​

Treatment options include:

• Therapy: Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) can help manage symptoms.
• Medication: Antidepressants or anti-anxiety medications may be prescribed.
• Lifestyle Changes: Stress management techniques, such as mindfulness and relaxation exercises, can be beneficial.

Understanding hypervigilance is crucial for those affected, as it can help in seeking appropriate support and treatment.

 

[WeDeservedBetter]

I mentioned this in another post, but one of the issues that I am currently trying to work through in therapy related to my wanting to keep returning to the story of my abuse. I am not talking about those times that I label as 'involuntary', where parts of our abuse intrude, or times when memories of our abuse just seem to be playing in the background. I am talking about my tendency to want/seek to go there, which has been very common. So, in therapy we have been talking about possible reasons for my wanting to do this or needs that I am looking to satisfy in some way.

Don't have answers, but I started making a list of possibilities. I have narrowed the list down, and so far these are the top three:

• I am looking to complete the story/ looking for things that as yet I have not recalled. Over time, this in fact has happened. More detail and incidents have in fact come out.
• I want to somehow edit the story of my abuse. Perhaps to make it seem less severe/traumatic than it .
• I may be looking for a way to let my brother (abuser) off the hook. Perhaps looking for excuses for what was done. I viewed him as the only person who loved me, and even saw the abuse as a way of staying connected to him.

As I said, I still don't have answers, but if you have thoughts about it, I'd be interested in hearing them.

Part of it might be trying to make sense out of something that doesn't make sense. Almost like figuring out why. It's like the child part is trying to make sense of a time he is still emotionally stuck in.

Part of it might be if I figure everything out then it will feel "better" somehow or be "fixed." Wanting or longing for something to be different.

In working with my therapist, something surprising that is hard to explain came up. It's like I'm trying to use logic and my mind to "fix" or address some sort of feeling or emotion. Some kind of somatic thing. I was so disconnected from my body that I just live in my head and constantly think about everything and never truly feel. Feeling was and is so uncomfortable that I just think about the abuse. It's definitely feeling different now in approaching it this way. It was extremely painful and a bit liberating to approach it this way.

Just my thoughts and experiences. They might not relate. Wish you peace. Thank you for sharing.

 

[JC1]

It's like I'm trying to use logic and my mind to "fix" or address some sort of feeling or emotion.

Good thought there. I have that kind of personality.