By Nancy Virden (c)2026 AlwaysTheFight.com

Parts 1, 2, and 3 expose some common trauma responses. In this final post in this series, we see changes in arousal and reactivity. “Arousal” in this sense is not sexual, but rather the increase in energy that fuels our reactions.

For example, our irritability and anger levels may be more sensitive and volatile. One who does not typically lose his temper may find himself doing so. One whose anger is usually in check may be more critical and snippy. Recklessness can also rise to unreasonable standards as one drives 80 mph or takes other foolish risks.

Many of us experience the startle response as a result of trauma. A shadow, a sound, or someone walking around the corner may cause us to jump. There may be nothing to fear, but our reaction is not about reason; it is about memory and self-protection.

Poor sleep can become a problem because of racing thoughts or a sense of restlessness and unease. This, in turn, raises our tendency to have strong reactions the next day. Sleep deprivation will affect our judgment, impulsivity, and slow our inhibitions, similar to being drunk.

Hypervigilance is aroused focus as we check and doubt and check again. We are perhaps looking for fakery, for deceit, and for violent tendencies in others. As an act of self-preservation, we will not allow ourselves to be taken by surprise or taken in by fools. We watch doors, body language, and listen for hints of rejection.

Our decreased ability to concentrate on tasks, a TV show, or in conversation may also be due to the arousal, or energy that forms around our hypervigilance. With our minds on what is next, or what could be happening, we cannot be fully present. Our work may suffer, as will our relationships.

Trauma responses may meet the criteria for PTSD.

Mindfulness

Mindfulness means in-the-moment awareness, focus, and intentionality. It is important to practice mindfulness nonjudgmentally. Mindfulness gives us space to observe our thoughts and reactions.

Mindfulness does not mean yoga or chanting. It is practicing communication between yourself and the God who created the universe. Keeping one’s eye on the road, so to speak, is being aware of one’s thoughts and emotions.

Attitudes that foster mindfulness:

• Nonjudging (Judging is deciding good or bad immediately).
• Patience
• Gratitude
• Trust
• Open-mindedness
• Non-striving
• Acceptance

By adopting these types of attitudes, slowly yet meaningfully, with the help that comes from Jesus Christ, one can “get a grip” on those more extreme trauma responses.

-COMMENTS WELCOME

Today’s Helpful Word

2 Peter 1:5-7 (In the context of God’s promises)

In view of all this, make every effort to respond to God’s promises. Supplement your faith with a generous provision of moral excellence, and moral excellence with knowledge, and knowledge with self-control, and self-control with patient endurance, and patient endurance with godliness, and godliness with brotherly affection, and brotherly affection with love for everyone.

If you are feeling suicidal or concerned about someone who is, in the U.S., call 988, the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. For a list of international suicide hotlines, go here.

If you are suicidal with a plan, immediately call 911 in the U.S. or go to your nearest emergency room; in the EU, call 112. (For other international emergency numbers, go here.) Hope and help are yours!

Always the Fight Ministries (ATFM) has been displaying compassion for those fighting mental illness, addiction, or abuse since 2012. Nancy is the founder and voice of ATFM and openly shares her emotional resurrection from despair. 

NOTE: Nancy is not a doctor or a mental health professional and speaks only from personal experience and observations. This website is not intended to substitute for professional mental or behavioral health care.

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