Hypervigilance Is A Common And Debilitating Complex-PTSD Symptom

Hypervigilance is a very common and debilitating Complex-PTSD symptom. It leaves abuse survivors feeling perpetually on edge, never knowing if or when the other shoe is going to drop.

Indicators of hypervigilance include:

• Being easily startled

• Exhaustion from extreme anxiety

• Trouble concentrating

• Sleep problems

• When startled, extreme response

• Constantly inspecting surroundings for potential danger

• Preoccupation with anticipating the moods of others

• Overstimulating environments feel intolerable

Just like many Complex-PTSD symptoms, hypervigilance often continues for many years after the trauma ended.