Hypervigilance and Trauma

Hypervigilance, or the heightened state of awareness and alertness, is a common symptom of trauma. When a person experiences trauma, the body’s natural instinctive responses become heightened, and the person often becomes hyper-aware of their environment. This state of vigilance is intended to protect the individual from further harm. Hypervigilance is a normal response to a traumatic event and can last for days, weeks, months, or even years after the event.

Trauma is defined as an event or experience that is emotionally devastating and overwhelming. Trauma can be caused by a variety of events including physical or sexual abuse, natural disasters, life-threatening accidents, or war. Trauma can also be caused by neglect, abandonment, or witnessing violence.

When a person experiences trauma, their body’s natural response is to protect them from further harm. This response, known as the “fight or flight” response, is a biological reaction that triggers the body’s fight or flight responses. The body prepares for fight or flight by releasing hormones such as adrenaline and cortisol. This response causes the heart rate to increase, the breathing rate to speed up, and the body to become tense. This response is intended to help the person survive the traumatic event or to escape from it.

Hypervigilance is a common symptom of trauma and can last for months or even years after the traumatic event. When a person is in a state of hypervigilance, they become highly alert and aware of their environment. This heightened state of awareness can cause a person to be more easily startled, to feel unsafe, and to become overly cautious.

Hypervigilance can cause a person to become overly reactive to situations that may not be dangerous. For example, a person may become over-reactive to loud noises or sudden movements. They may also become overly suspicious of people or events that may not pose a threat.

Hypervigilance can lead to feelings of anxiety and fear, which can further complicate the healing process from trauma. People who experience hypervigilance may also have difficulty sleeping, be easily irritable, and have difficulty concentrating.

If you or someone you know is experiencing hypervigilance and trauma, it is important to seek professional help. Purple Sky Counseling in Murray, UT provides a safe and supportive environment for individuals to process and heal from trauma. With the help of experienced therapists, clients can learn healthy coping skills and develop strategies for managing their hypervigilant state.

At Purple Sky Counseling, therapists use a variety of methods to help clients work through their trauma, including cognitive behavioral therapy, mindfulness, and psychodynamic approaches. Through this approach, clients can learn to manage their hypervigilant state and develop healthy coping strategies to help them heal from their trauma.

If you or someone you know is experiencing hypervigilance and trauma, Purple Sky Counseling in Murray, UT can help. Our experienced and compassionate therapists are committed to providing clients with the resources they need to heal and move forward. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you or someone you know process and heal from trauma.