HYPERVIGILANCE

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WHAT ARE THE MOST HELPFUL THINGS WE CAN DO?

FOR CHILDREN AND ADULTS

• When someone has experienced trauma- the terrifying and powerless event that can then lead to overwhelm; they then want to try and avoid further experiences that are traumatic. This means that they are hypervigilant- or hyper alert to any sensory signs that they may be in danger. They may have very sensitive hearing which means that they can hear the sound of a voice or a dog barking or a car driving close by when others can’t. They may be more jumpy to any loud sounds or they may be very reactive to a person pulling a frustrated facial expression.

• If a child has grown up with a volatile parent, then they can learn to scan the faces of the adults around them to ascertain if they will be safe or not. They notice the tiny facial expressions that children who have not been traumatsied may not notice.

• A child may seem to be very caring and notice if you are looking sad or angry or frustrated and offer to help. Whilst that could be kindness, it could also be a sign that they are afraid and want o try their best to stop you being angry with them. The noticing of the facial reaction is self protective.

• A way to help a child or adult feel safe is to ‘wonder out loud’ and so they don’t have to worry that you are actually about to get cross or violent. If you hurt your toe on the door, and your face shows shock and horror due to the pain, make sure you say ‘ooh my toe hurts from the door- but i will be ok soon!”. This makes them feel safe and less worried and so they can relax.