Trauma has a profound effect on a person’s cognitive functioning. It can affect physical and mental health, including the ability to perceive and interpret information. One of the most fascinating and lesser-known cognitive effects of trauma is selective vision, or the inability to attend to certain visual information.

The ability to attend to and understand important or relevant visual information is an essential aspect of everyday life. In fact, it’s something that the majority of people take for granted. However, for individuals who have experienced traumatic events, selective vision can arise and drastically limit their ability to take in new information accurately and efficiently.

Selective vision occurs when a trauma survivor experiences an inability to attend to particular visual stimuli. For instance, they may become distracted or focus on a single object while automatically disregarding their surroundings. This can lead to a decreased awareness of environmental cues and safe navigation, potentially leading to dangerous situations. Furthermore, selective vision can also create an inability to process certain visual cues that could be relevant or important in everyday life.

Several factors can contribute to the development of selective vision due to trauma. For example, certain emotions that individuals may experience due to their trauma can lead them to ignore visual information that may be relevant or essential. In some cases, this may cause them to become overwhelmed and unable to process the information they are presented with. Additionally, trauma survivors often experience a survival mode response which can lead to a heightened state of alertness and having an exceedingly narrow focus on key visual information and situations.

If a person experiences selective vision due to trauma, the effects can range from mild to severe. In mild cases, it may cease to affect the individual’s ability to lead a fairly normal life. However, in severe cases, the effects of trauma-induced selective vision can be significantly debilitating and have lasting repercussions.

Individuals who have experienced trauma and develop selective vision may suffer from a decreased attention span, impairments in processing and interpreting visual information, and an inability to retain visual information. Furthermore, they may also experience significant distress due to their inability to process and attend to visual information.

In order to manage selective vision due to trauma, it is essential to receive mental health treatment. A mental health professional can help an individual to identify and better understand the issues they are facing and can also provide support and guidance on strategies to manage the symptoms of selective vision.

Examples of treatment options for selective vision may include psychotherapy, cognitive-behavioral therapy, or other forms of trauma-focused therapy. Additionally, there are certain strategies that an individual can use to help manage selective vision. For example, relaxation techniques, mindfulness, and self-care activities can help individuals to better cope with their symptoms. Furthermore, engaging in fun and pleasurable activities that allow individuals to take a break from their usual routines can also help to mitigate the effects of selective vision.

Selective vision due to trauma can be difficult to manage, and it can have a significant impact on an individual’s life. However, with the right type of help and support, it is possible to manage the symptoms of trauma-induced selective vision and live a life with more clarity and awareness.