Sufferer Exaggerated!! Startle Response Describes Me

[Dee Morris]

When You ask if I've talked to my T Dee- I wonder, do You mean therapist? If so, I'm not seeing one. Perhaps I should. This has been going on for ever so long.

Yes, it IS odd that I react to expected stimulus. I consciously prepare, tell myself to expect an answer (telephone), a sound (tv) - and I will think I'm okay but lo and behold!! I'll react every time with a very strong "jump". Thank goodness I only "jump" at those times and don't react with a scream on the telephone!!

Do You think Yours is more specific to nighttime because You're spent from Your day?

No, mine is specific to nighttime (or other time I might be sleeping) because much of the sexual trauma occurred during the night. (person would come to my bed during the night...) It is when I feel most vulnerable.

I recommend you see a T (therapist). It isn't likely to get better on it's own.

 

[Srain]

At first seeing this thread I assumed I had worked through my 'Exaggerated-Startled-Response' but twice yesterday my husband was near me and a dropped cord touched my leg and I went off, not just at that moment but continued to react...that is where the trouble lies for me...I don't stop reacting. I also avoid to not have the reactions because mine come in the form of pain to the touch. It sounds different from yours but the body and mind reaction with the cortisol may very well be the same.

You mention seeing it coming. I grew up with a rather sadistic older brother who would do the tickle and spit and pain thing while pinning me down- to "toughen" me up. I learned early on to not react. I never felt anything physically until 10 yrs ago. So all this is so new to me to now have been learning to channel it.

That constant state of adrenalin rush will wreck a body and mind. I am learning the techniques of how to not numb out but to ground myself.