Hypervigilance
Let’s take a look into this idea, concept, and definition of this word hypervigilance. The word hyper in Greek has the understanding of ‘over.’ The understanding is over that which is of the normal range. Hyperextended for example means to overly extend the elbow from its normal range of function. Does that make sense?
So the word vigilance carries the meaning, to be carefully observant or attentive, or to be on the look out for danger. What does this mean as we stop and consider PTSD?
When I consider the implications here of being overly considerate or attentive of danger, and how this may completely alter the individual’s stress response, it hurts me to the very soul of my being. Those who have experienced first-hand the horrors of combat, or violence (not considering televised violence) - may react to situations with such extreme over-the normal emotions which far exceed what others may believe to be in the so-called normal scope. Those who present with hypervigilance may have several behavioral patterns which I will briefly touch upon and discuss.
Always looking over their shoulder: I knew someone once who was assaulted in a physical and sexual manner. This individual was hypervigilant, always looking over their shoulder, constantly taking seats in the back of the restaurant with the best view of the entry and exit point. One day, they expressed to me, how they were out for a walk one evening, when they heard a noise approaching them from behind, as the sound got closer, this individual that I knew, turned around, and punched the jogger in the face as they approached. I would say this was an example of hypervigilance.
Living a life in an irrational fear or anxiety of being harmed imminently: Do you or someone you know live in this state of apprehension? Is it normal to be aware of the potential dangers around you? Absolutely! Is it rational to believe everyone is out to kill you or harm you? I would say this borders on the hypervigilance which is based upon a past trauma. I qualify this statement by submitting two thoughts. The first thought - unless you are in a combat zone, or someone who works in a field where death is a very real consideration- it is probably not normal to believe everyone is trying to harm or kill you. The Second thought for consideration is: Unless you are experiencing ongoing trauma, it is probably not an accurate thought process that everyone is trying to harm you. If you are living in ongoing trauma, please look to additional resources here on this page, or other places, or please reach out to this website and I will respond.
Health issues: Someone who is hypervigilant as a response to the trauma, may have increased health issues. They may have heart problems, digestive issues, high blood pressure, fixated pupils / dilated pupils, and other issues, such as behavioral or fixative issues on certain things.
These are only briefly outlined here for consideration. I bring these up merely to show some of the reactions to PTSD or other acute stressors. Some of these reactions may not happen, they all may happen, or others may present themselves. It is important to know that if you or someone you love experiences these symptoms, it does not mean they are abnormal or broken. They are learning to negotiate extreme trauma and bring healing to the body, mind, soul, spirit in order to bring a new peace into their life.
I know that I have experienced many of these symptoms areas within my own life. I have managed some well, and others I have missed the mark completely in my own self-care. My own hypervigilance through dreams of seeing the scene all over again, being retraumatized just differently has been somewhat ongoing, although the Lord is bringing healing daily as I trust Him to handle the details I cannot.
So? What areas do you see within your own life? Where do you struggle? How can you mitigate the hypervigilance? We have discussed some things before, such as self-care, and I cannot emphasize this enough. In my own walk I need to learn how to say “NO” to good things, in order to say “YES” to the best things, so I need much work in this area.
My self-care and your self-care will look different, and I have to let you know, the self-care cannot begin at the time of traumatic incidences. I need to practice daily healthy self-care, and I must strongly, fervently, emphasize the understanding of “DAILY.” Daily means everyday! I miss that section all the time. In Luke 9:23 we read these words from Jesus, “If anyone desires to come after Me, they must deny themselves, take up their cross daily, and follow Me.”
My faith walk is not a one-time thing, it must be a daily thing, a relational thing. It is through the lens of this understanding, where I have to take my soul-care, and self-care seriously, and learn to walk daily.
What areas do you find are helpful and build hope into your situation? Do those things which are healthy to maintain your spiritual care. If you write poetry to bring ease to stressful environments, then use that platform to bring joy into your life and others. If you are an artist, use your art to glorify the Lord, and to bring a peace to your circumstances. If you know what those things are, but have not engaged in them for some time, ask yourself why.
We all must learn to walk differently. Loss, grief, trauma are like walking with a limp. Listen to these words from Anne Lamott - “It’s like having a broken leg that never heals perfectly - that still hurts when the weather gets cold, but you learn to dance with the limp.” She was discussing the loss of a loved one through death, but let’s look at this through the lens of other traumatic considerations as well, and learn to dance with a limp.
If you are struggling with hypervigilance, perhaps this post is helpful or maybe it wasn’t? Maybe you learned about yourself, your pain, and how to walk through it?
May you find comfort and joy in your walk.
Blessings.