I have a big problem when it comes to noticing things in my visual field. I have been tested, and I don't have any problem with my eyesight. But I continually miss things that are blatantly right in my visual field. I'm wondering if this is somehow related to my earlier traumas and/or DID or PTSD? Here are some examples.

Coworker to me: The secretary in our office says she gets really bad vibes from you.

Me: What?

Coworker: She gets bad vibes. She said one day she walked past you in the hallway, and she got really bad vibes. You didn't say hello and just walked by.

Me: (feeling horrible): Really?! Wow, I feel awful! I don't even know who your secretary is.

Later: My coworker shows me who the secretary is. I don't remember ever seeing her at all.

Another example:

My neighbors often go on vacation and leave us their key so we can take their mail inside and feed the fish in their pond. One time, they were due to come back on a Sunday. So Saturday night, I go over there, pick up their mail from the mailbox, unlock the door, and walk in. THEY ARE HOME AND SITTING IN THE LIVING ROOM. I almost have a heart attack because it surprises me so much.

Me: Oh my gosh, you guys scared the crap out of me! I didn't know you were home.

Them: Didn't you see our camper parked in the driveway?

Me: (feeling ridiculous) No. I guess I wasn't looking for it.

These sorts of things are a common occurrence for me, but when I get triggered or stressed out, it becomes a much bigger problem and happens more often. I forget things, misplace things, don't notice when my husband is talking to me, etc. I also have trouble locating things, like when I am looking for something in the refrigerator or the pantry. My husband will say, "It's right there. If it was a snake, it would bite you."

Sometimes I worry there is something really wrong with my brain.

The only thing I can think of is that I've always been extremely emotionally sensitive since I was a little girl, and things easily overwhelmed and overstimulated me. Is it possible that I learned I had to narrow my focus and block a great deal of the world out in order to function in life?