Do you also feel a constant sense of nervousness in your body and mind: Is this Hyperarousal?

Do you sometimes feel a heavy weight on your mind and a lot of tension in your body for no apparent reason? Does your mind always tell you that something is going to happen? If you startle at the slightest sound, or if you lie awake at night without falling asleep, these things may be something more than simple stress. So today we will talk about this condition, which we call Hyperarousal.

Simply put, what is Hyperarousal?

Imagine you are walking down the street and a large dog suddenly jumps at you. What happens to your body at that moment? Your heart beats faster, your breathing quickens, your muscles tense, and your eyes widen. This is the "fight-or-flight" response. This is our body's natural defense mechanism. It is controlled by the Sympathetic Nervous System, a part of our nervous system. It's like the accelerator in a car.

When the danger passes, the other part of our nervous system, the ``Parasympathetic Nervous System'', kicks in like a brake, bringing our body back to a calm, normal state.

Now imagine, without any dogs, without any danger, if your body is always in that "fight or flight" mode? It's like the accelerator is always on, the brakes are not working. That's what we call hyperarousal . Here your senses, thoughts, emotions, and even body processes are at maximum speed, constantly on alert. Often the reason for this is not a danger in front of your eyes, but perhaps a traumatic event that you faced a long time ago.

What are the symptoms of hyperarousal?

During a state of hyperarousal, you can experience a variety of physical and mental symptoms. Let's take a look at what they are.

What are the main causes of hyperarousal?

Hyperarousal is not a disease in itself, but can be a symptom of other conditions. It can be caused by conditions that affect the way you control your emotions, thoughts, and actions. Some of the main causes are:

• Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD): This condition can occur after experiencing a traumatic event, such as a serious accident, natural disaster, or act of violence.
• Anxiety Disorders: Hyperarousal can be a symptom of conditions ranging from general anxiety to various anxiety disorders.
• Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
• Autism Spectrum Disorder
• Insomnia

In addition to these medical conditions, the use of certain substances such as caffeine (tea, coffee), nicotine (tobacco), alcohol, and cocaine can also cause or worsen hyperarousal.

What are the treatments for this?

Because there are many causes of hyperarousal, treatment depends on what is causing your condition. Treatment options may vary from person to person. Typically, treatment involves one or more of the following:

• Psychotherapy: This means talking to a trained professional to understand your thought and emotional patterns and learn to manage them.
• Ways to manage stress and anxiety: Things like breathing exercises and meditation.
• Medication: In some cases, a doctor may prescribe medication to calm the nervous system and control other symptoms.

Ways to calm down at home

Remember, hyperarousal is not something you can diagnose and treat on your own. But while you are receiving medical treatment, there are short-term ways to help you when you feel overwhelmed and out of control, as well as good habits to develop in the long term.

Get quick relief in an emergency

When you're feeling unbearably anxious, you can distract yourself and calm down by providing strong stimulation to your senses.

• Sniff a sour toffee or a spicy mint.
• Drink some very cold water .
• Place an ice pack or a cloth soaked in cold water on your face, the back of your neck, or the inside of your wrist.
• Take a cold shower.

Things to practice for long-term healing

• Breathing exercises: Just by taking a moment to focus on breathing, slowly inhaling and exhaling, we help the body get rid of the "fight-or-flight" response.
• Meditation: During hyperarousal, your mind is filled with thoughts and feelings. Meditation can help you clear out these unwanted thoughts and stay in the present moment.
• Stress Management: Even minor stressors in everyday life can have a big impact on someone with hyperarousal. Therefore, it is very important to learn ways to manage these stresses.
• Reduce Stimulants: Things like caffeine (tea/coffee) and nicotine (cigarettes) further stimulate your nervous system. It is very important to stay away from these.
• Avoid alcohol and drugs: Alcohol and drugs taken without a doctor's prescription (such as marijuana, cocaine) can worsen this condition. Therefore, avoid them completely.

Complications that can occur if hyperarousal is ignored

When you are constantly under this kind of stress, your body and mind don't get enough rest. In the long run, this condition can increase your risk of chronic pain, high blood pressure, heart disease, and even type 2 diabetes .

This condition can also negatively affect your job, social life, and relationships with family and friends.

When should I see a doctor?

In particular, remember that if you or someone you know is having thoughts of harming themselves, please contact your doctor immediately or go to the nearest hospital Emergency Department (ETU). Never hesitate to get help.

No one can continue to live with constant clenching of teeth, clenching of muscles, and feeling heavy. It will only make you more tired. Therefore, it is essential to seek the help of a doctor to manage this condition and treat the underlying condition that is causing it.

Hyperarousal, Mental Health, Anxiety, Stress, PTSD, Insomnia, Sri Lanka