Hyperarousal
Hyperarousal
It's a state of being constantly on edge and tense, as if danger is always near. Even small stimuli can cause a startled reaction.
Details
Hyperarousal is a state where the body is excessively alert and tense, as if it's always in 'danger mode.'
It's one of the key symptoms of PTSD. It can show up as sleep disturbances, difficulty concentrating, an exaggerated startle response, and irritability.
It's important to help the body receive signals that it's safe. Deep breathing, progressive muscle relaxation, and grounding techniques can all help reduce hyperarousal. If you'd like support working through this, Mindy is here to help.
💡 Real-Life Example
"Jumping at the sound of a door closing and struggling to fall asleep" — that's hyperarousal.
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This content is for educational purposes and does not replace professional medical diagnosis.