Hypervigilance is an enhanced state of sensory sensitivity accompanied by an exaggerated intensity of behaviors whose purpose is to detect threats. Hypervigilance is also accompanied by a state of increased anxiety which can cause exhaustion. Other symptoms include: abnormally increased arousal, a high responsiveness to stimuli, and a constant scanning of the environment for threats.[1][2] In hypervigilance, there is a perpetual scanning of the environment to search for sights, sounds, people, behaviors, smells, or anything else that is reminiscent of threat or trauma. The individual is placed on high alert in order to be certain danger is not near. Hypervigilance can lead to a variety of obsessive behavior patterns, as well as producing difficulties with social interaction and relationships.
I notice that when I hang out with my friends or family, I become hyper aware of my surroundings. I notice every noise that I hear, every person that sits near us at the restaurant, and every little thing that goes on in the background. I pay more attention to the strangers around me than to the people I'm hanging out with. I can't be myself in public at all; sometimes I get so scared and anxious that I become mute and not enjoy the hang-out. Nowadays, when my friends invite me to events such as a party, I decline to go because of this. I know I will act like a stone (sit still and be mute) if I go there.
Thanks everyone for your responses! Now I know the name for this condition and that I'm not alone.
Well - what is the name of the condition then?
I can get Hypervigilance on rare occasons but I have to be super stressed out becasue of the stiuation.Hypervigilance, probably caused by trauma that I experienced in the past.