Alertness
-The body and mind become more alert and alert, usually in a situation of sudden danger or stress. This occurs when the attention and awareness mechanisms in the brain are activated.
Alertness enables the body to react quickly and appropriately to emergencies or changes in the environment.
For example, in the event of a sudden danger in traffic, the brain reacts quickly thanks to its alertness and stops or avoids the vehicle. Likewise, in a moment of danger, adrenaline and other hormones in the body are released, the heart rate increases, the respiratory rate increases, and the muscles can respond more quickly.
Alertness is important for survival and defense mechanisms and provides an evolutionary advantage. Since ancient times, vigilance has increased the chances of survival, as people are more likely to encounter dangerous situations.
-However, if alertness persists or is at abnormally high levels, it can interfere with a person’s daily life and cause anxiety disorders or difficulty coping with stress.
Anxiety
A mental state in which a person experiences feelings of uncertainty, anxiety, fear, and tension. Everyone may experience feelings of anxiety from time to time; it is a natural response and necessary to deal with the daily challenges faced in life. However, when anxiety becomes excessive, prolonged or uncontrollable, it can be called an anxiety disorder and negatively affect quality of life.
The link between alertness and anxiety can be complex and can be influenced by many factors. For example:
Neurobiology: The interaction of neurotransmitters and neural pathways in the brain may influence the link between alertness and anxiety.
Emotional State: A person’s emotional state can affect their level of anxiety and alertness. For example, a person with a high level of anxiety may become constantly alert.
Experiences and Learning: Past experiences can affect how individuals evaluate and react to future dangers or stressful situations.
Personal Differences: Personal differences between individuals can have an impact on alertness and anxiety levels. For example, an innate disposition or personality trait can cause a person to become alert more quickly or experience higher levels of anxiety.
Psychological Reasons for Constant Vigilance:
Traumatic Experiences: Traumatic events can shake a person’s sense of security and create a state of alertness. For example, a person may feel constantly threatened after traumatic events such as physical assaults, serious accident, war experiences, or serious illness.
General Anxiety Disorder: General anxiety disorder is characterized by persistent uncertainty and worry about the future. This can cause the person to be constantly alert and mentally observing dangers.
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD): Post-traumatic stress disorder is characterized by recurring, disturbing memories, nightmares, and hyperarousal (excessive alertness) experienced after a serious traumatic event.
Severe Stress and Pressures: Heavy workload, family problems, financial troubles or other life stresses can cause a person to be constantly on the alert.
Anxiety and Panic Disorders: Panic attacks and intense anxiety can cause a person to become suddenly alert.
Personality Structure: Some people’s innate personality traits can cause them to be more attentive and constantly alert.
Related Trauma Consequences: The long-term consequences of traumatic events in the past can leave the person on constant alert.
Need for Security and Control: Feeling a need for security against things one cannot control in the world around them can increase alertness.
Being constantly alert usually means that the stress responses in the body are constantly active. This can lead to long-term health problems and adverse life effects. If you experience constant vigilance, it is important to see a psychologist or psychiatrist to understand the underlying causes and explore appropriate treatment options.
Lisence Clinical Psychologist
Beyhan Perim Secmen