Chronic Hyperarousal is a psychological state characterized by excessive alertness that persists for an extended period of time, impairing individuals' capacity to relax, rest, concentrate, and interact socially. It can affect individuals in various ways, including causing physical symptoms like insomnia, irritability, and anxiety. Chronic hyperarousal has been linked to Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), which many veterans experience after serving in combat zones. Veterans who suffer from PTSD may have difficulty sustaining emotional and sexual engagement due to chronic hyperarousal. This article will discuss how chronic hyperarousal interferes with veterans' ability to sustain sexual and emotional engagement.
How does chronic hyperarousal interfere with veterans' sexual engagement?
One way in which chronic hyperarousal can interfere with veterans' sexual engagement is by causing them to feel anxious or fearful during sex. In particular, veterans with PTSD often experience flashbacks to traumatic events they experienced during their military service. These flashbacks can cause them to become highly aroused, making it difficult for them to relax and enjoy intimacy. As a result, veterans with PTSD may avoid sexual situations altogether or struggle to maintain interest once they do participate in them. Another way in which chronic hyperarousal can interfere with veterans' sexual engagement is by causing them to be easily distracted or preoccupied during sex. Because veterans with PTSD are constantly on alert, they may find it challenging to focus exclusively on their partner during sex. This can lead to feelings of guilt or shame, further decreasing their desire for sexual interaction.
How does chronic hyperarousal interfere with veterans' emotional engagement?
Chronic hyperarousal can also interfere with veterans' emotional engagement by causing them to feel emotionally disconnected from others. Veterans with PTSD may have difficulty forming close relationships due to their constant state of alertness. They may find it difficult to trust others or feel comfortable opening up about their experiences.
Veterans with PTSD may have difficulty regulating their emotions, leading to outbursts of anger or withdrawal from loved ones. Chronic hyperarousal can also make it challenging for veterans to connect with loved ones emotionally because they may struggle to tune into nonverbal cues like facial expressions or tone of voice.
Chronic hyperarousal can cause veterans to experience symptoms like insomnia or irritability, making it challenging for them to sustain attention and patience during conversations.
In what ways does chronic hyperarousal interfere with veterans' ability to sustain sexual and emotional engagement?
Chronic hyperarousal is characterized by persistent arousal of the autonomic nervous system which results in heightened physical reactions like increased heart rate, sweating, tension, and alertness. This state often persists even when there are no immediate threats present (Stone & Stellwagen, 2014). Chronic hyperarousal can lead to difficulties in maintaining sexual and emotional engagements due to its physiological impact on the body.