From hypervigilant to #HYPERVIGILANTE
Why this blog?
Nearly 20% of Americans experienced mental illness this past year, and the large majority of people will have mental health problems at some point in their life. Despite this, people currently experiencing symptoms are “othered”— the stigma and stories about mental illness paint people with severe mental illness (SMI) as dangerous criminals and people with depression as lazy or weak-minded. The stigma has a terrible effect: less than half of people with a mental illness receive treatment.
Thankfully, advocates around the world are changing that narrative. This blog further explores the issue, diving deep into the mental health effects of trauma. We celebrate post-traumatic growth, the idea that traumatic experiences and even related symptoms can help us live more fully and more in line with our values.
Why #HYPERVIGILANTE?
Hypervigilance is a symptom of anxiety- and trauma-related disorders. The experience includes a heightened arousal and increased awareness of surroundings. While it is often painful and scary, it is also a powerful tool. For some, it kept them alive during a life-threatening situation. It can be harnessed as a tool to protect and uplift others even while mental health treatment reduces the suffering associated with the experience.
#HYPERVIGILANTE reclaims this symptom and reframes it as a superpower.
If you are experiencing a mental health crisis, please consider calling the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1–800–273–8255.
