Still Jumpy

[falling_wave]

I recently moved and had all sorts of adjustments. Basically it was a major life transition which triggered some deep issues for me while also moving forward in my life if that makes sense. I've been hypervigalant to a degree most of my life but since that time I've been getting scared of everything. I hear the blinds shake or the lady upstairs walking in heels or the washer turning off and I seriously jump and get so scared for a minute. When I'm out people doing things I don't predict scare me too. I was in a public bathroom drying my hands and this probably 12 year old totally non threatening girl walked in and I startled so bad. She probably though I was crazy because I'm sure I looked scared. Im sure people think Im doing stuff I shouldnt be too. Things are getting better in life and I'm adjusting well but this continues to happen all day everyday and it is exhausting to startle that much. I feel worn out from it and I want to get back to how I was. Any advice on how?

 

[anonymous]

When I was that hypervigilant and startled at....everything, the only thing that could bring me "down" was medication. Coping skills can indeed help, but it was so biological in nature that I do believe it was a matter of my system being out of whack and needing to hit the "reset" button.

 

[NewDayTomorrow]

Reset is exactly what came to my mind. It may seem counterintuitive, but your brain needs to observe lots of stimuli out in the open to be able to really make sure there is no danger. If you get wound up try to go outside or to a cafeteria where you are able to look all around and get that watchful guarding instinct out of your system. If you hide in a bathroom or something you can never settle down. Good luck I know this is hard it has happened to me. Try not worry about what anybody thinks. A lot of us are overly self conscious with no need.

 

[illusionist]

Anyone who knows me has a few stories to tell about my startled responses...even I laugh about them. Living/ working in a new environment, tiredness, and high stress can all set me off to be as bad as you are.....and does calm down to a reasonable level (for me) once these things have either become normal for me, or I've minimised them.
Hope it settles down soon for you.