Startle Response

[MontanaJem]

I am almost always aware of where people are around me so that I am not caught off guard. If I don't see someone come up behind me and they speak to me or worse yet, touch me, I nearly jump out of my skin and my natural reaction is to throw an elbow backwards in their direction. Everybody I work with knows that they need to catch my peripheral vision first. Or keep their distance! :rofl:

One guy that kept startling me intentionally (thinking it was funny even after I'd repeatedly warned him) finally CAUGHT my elbow. I was seated and he was standing so you can imagine where it hit. Let's just say he never did it again.

My kids all learned at a young age that it's not a good idea to "scare" mom. One time one of my older ones dared an unknowing younger one to sneak up behind me, tag me and yell, "BOO!" and of course, the younger one got a not-very-nice reaction from me and the older one got herself into a lot of trouble!

 

[anni]

HI-

It used to be like that. It was awful, quite literally jumping out of one's skin.

I am only answering the post because something so odd happened along the years. I do not know why, perhaps your system becomes immune to that intense RUSH, I do not know, but almost 20 years later I have almost ZERO startle response.

It IS very wierd. The kids have a blast with it, though, and now tend to leap out from all manner of dark corners hoping to make me jump. At this point it is harmless of them, and they really don't realize the genesis of the original problem. Seriously, though, it feels like my nerves were sandpapered off somewhere along the line and the reflex just plain isn't really THERE anymore! I still get anxious and panicy in other situations, I just plain do not startle anymore. If there's a 'BOOBM', I just do not move, react or blink. Nothing.

It might be wierd, and perhaps it means something is now not wired correctly but boy, I can't say I miss it.

I hope it gets better, at least, for all of you, and take care!

Anni

 

[MissEngland]

I was attacked whilst slepping over ten years ago and i still awake with a major startle response when im going off to sleep or hear a noise whilst sleeping.
I had a bad one tonight, woke up startled and screaming. My boyfriend awoke and nearly had a heart attack.
Sometimes i feel so angry, that the attacker served 10 years in prison but im still serving a sentance over that in fear and wakeing up thinking its happening again.
As the judge said at the triall, i have no doubt you will carry the scars of this for the rest of your life.
Too true.
Once your sleep has been invaded like that my body will every forget.

My question is how do your partners deal with your startle response?
I end up feeling guitly for making my partner startle from my nightmares.
Then i have to deal with calming him down when all i want is a hug and to be told its alright now.
However, he is really good when i have a flashback and i think he is the attacker, he has to say " its only me" that helps me so much. it even makes me laugh which helps shake me out of the flashback.

I cant bear anyone standing behind me, i move, let them go in front.
Its hard when other people think it funny to make you startle, if only they knew what it does to you.
Im still in fear and anxiety now, couldn't go back to sleep was to scared.
It helps at least to know im not alone with this symptom.
I dont go to firework displays, quick startle response city,I cant watch horror films, or anything where people are helpless.
Im trying to look for a positive side for quick startle response. Its keeping my body safe from harm, even thou its crap.I suppose i have to be greatful that its a false alarm, at least its not the real thing again. THANKGOD!