Drishyam 3: Why Georgekutty is in a state of 'hypervigilance'

Director Jeethu Joseph's much-awaited Mohanlal-starrer crime thriller Drishyam 3 is in theatres today, and the franchise's fans can't wait to see what its hero Georgekutty has pulled off this time. Those who have watched the previous parts of the movie know that what has been helping Georgekutty to stay safe from the constant scrutiny of his neighbours, the police force, and his enemies is his capability to foresee things and be prepared for them. His brain and body often race far ahead of the facts, and he anticipates danger everywhere, driven by the urge to protect his family. Psychologically, this state of mind is termed hypervigilance. 

What primarily rules Georgekutty is the thought that his family should be safe and shouldn't get entangled in the punishment, explains Dr CJ John. "Therefore, he is extra vigilant to close any possible loophole that can land them in trouble. He is writing his own parallel script at every stage to hide the crime and even acting it out convincingly, inspired by movies and his sharp intelligence. It can be termed a hypervigilance to protect his family," says Dr John. According to Dr Susan Albers of the Cleveland Clinic, hypervigilance is the brain's way of scanning the environment for signs of danger and being extremely aware of one's surroundings. It is not a diagnosis, but a basic human survival mechanism, according to the doctor. In people who are hypervigilant, the amygdala, or the part of the brain responsible for managing emotions, is on overdrive, she explains. 

What causes hypervigilance?
Here are a few reasons that can trigger a hypervigilant state of mind:
a) Post-traumatic stress disorder
b) Anxiety
c) Panic disorder
d) Depression
e) Personality disorders

In certain people, according to Dr Albers, hypervigilance can also be part of their personality and can be linked to childhood trauma. Children who grow up in abusive homes or in unpredictable environments can generally develop this trait for self-protection. They can have strong startle reflexes, watch people around them closely for slight changes in behaviour, and even overanalyse people's moods, tone, body language, and even text messages, the doctor says. Interestingly, she points out that it is a helpful instinct, though being in that state constantly can sometimes be hard on our bodies. 
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