Have you always scanned your environment, analyzed the risks around you, or even imagined the “worst”? This exaggerated tendency to anticipate, which many think is harmless, can actually lead to exhaustion of the body and mind, warns Agnès Bonnin, clinical psychologist.
Mental hypervigilance, a habit that causes stress
Hypervigilance refers to a psychological and physiological state in which a person remains continually alert, as if danger could arise at any moment.
Very observant, these people constantly analyze their environment, the reactions of others or possible scenarios. An operation which ends up becoming particularly trying on a daily basis.
Because contrary to popular belief, thinking constantly does not always allow you to move forward. By trying to anticipate everything, the brain gets stuck on problems, risks or potential tensions. Result ? Stress sets in for a long time and the nervous system has difficulty calming down.
“A person suffering from hypervigilance is in an attitude of alertness and hypersensitivity to their environment, constantly scanning it for a potential threat. The individual’s defense system remains stuck in survival mode“, confirms Agnès Bonnin.
What happens in the brain during hypervigilance?
When the brain repeatedly perceives a threat, even in the absence of danger, it activates stress circuits. The body then secretes more cortisol and adrenaline, two hormones designed to prepare the body to respond quickly.
“The prefrontal cortex is short-circuited by intense stress, reducing its ability to modulate emotional reactions and calmly assess the situation.warns Agnès Bonnin.
This cerebral disorganization can lock a person into an almost permanent “survival” mode, comparable to a form of generalized anxiety. In the long term, hypervigilant people can suffer from chronic fatigue, sleep problems, difficulty concentrating or even great irritability.
Some also describe the impression of never being able to “disconnect”, even in moments that are supposed to be restful (for example in the evening in bed).
How can we recognize this hypervigilance and free ourselves from it?
Need to control everything, difficulty relaxing, tendency to overanalyze exchanges, inability to let go… Hypervigilance can manifest itself in many ways. But over time, this mode of functioning can weaken self-esteem and relationships with others.
Some people even develop avoidance or withdrawal behaviors, which are often difficult for those close to them to understand.
How then can we free ourselves from this hypervigilance? First you have to… dig.
“It is often essential to treat underlying causes.underlying hypervigilance. For this, it may be recommended to call on a professional.”assures Agnès Bonnin.
Cognitive and behavioral therapies, breathing, relaxation or even in-depth work on past traumas are all techniques that can also help you “recondition” your brain. And if this process takes time, fortunately it is possible to find a certain serenity… and to finally allow the brain to breathe.