Startle Response is a byproduct of PTSD,
post traumatic stress syndrome. The way it
manifests itself is through a severe reaction
to loud and unexpected noises; even not so
loud noises if they are unexpected.
Even my home is not a refuge from this
horrendous problem. If I am working on
the computer and a noise on the television
blurts out, I have an actual and dangerous
reaction. My heart jumps in my chest or
spends some seconds in arrhythmia.
It took me much work and time to
talk to my neighbors about slamming doors.
I didn't want them to see me a a curmudgeon,
so I was very forthright about the illness.
The doors to the rooms in the 10s tend to
slam because of a cross breeze.
These loud noises so close send me
into panic attacks and serious heart beat
disruption. Not only does my body react,
but my mind reacts powerfully. I lose seconds
and cannot think or remember what I am doing.
There tends to be a long-term state of agitation
that makes me afraid, cross and disoriented.
When I venture outside I am especially
susceptible to the noise. More than fire engines
or cars are to blame. There are jack hammers
and other equipment used in construction
that can drive me to a frenzy. This also
happens when I see couples arguing or hear
children screaming.
Startle response is a burdensome
condition and if you think every little noise
makes you jump, you may very well have
startle response.
I am ten years past my "breakdown" and
there is little improvement. It tends to be
a problem you do not completely get rid of.
I am treated with psychotropic drugs which
help, but do not correct the situation.
A contest entry
- Writing Workshop On Disabilities Fall, 2008 by kareneisenlord.
3500 points, ended November 15, 2008, 10 entries
Honorable mention
• next poem in this contest, remove from contest
Please tell me what you think
Comments
-
Authorization to post in disability group forum -
Thank you WolfHeart. I am placing this under 'comments' as I cannot access your author's notes and I need it in a visable place. Take care Wolfie. Pray for me. Howl for me; with all your might to the Moon and whoever else will hear. lol's
This moving and dealing with this house situation is very unsettling. lol's Unintentional pun there.
WolfHeart:
5 hours ago " Karen, sorry to neglect that note - you may use my work any way you like.
Good luck in the moving!! "
-
You forgot to state in your author's notes whether you give permission or not for this to be showcased in the disability group forum. You can request that it be done anonymously, if you so desire. Thanks, Karen
-
It is hard to deal with...
Thank you for your indepth review on this. Many who have suffered trauma of some kind in their lives deal with this in the aftermath. You are right that it often never goes away in it's entirety.
I myself have anxiety and panic disorder with a myriad of symptoms that accompany it. An over-reactive startle response is something that I am familiar with as well. In fact, I have had it my entire life and I didn't know it wasn't normal until I studied about it.
Hypersensitivity to noise is a big part of it and sudden noises can send me into a panic, especially when I am sleeping. I have learned to control it while I am awake, pretty much - unless I am under a lot of stress and tired. I have heart palpitations, a bundle branch block and a mild murmer. I simply have medications that I take as needed. Lorazepam and Atenelol for the anxiety and palpitatations.
I remember first being this way from when as a child, my stepfather would fly into his rages out of nowhere and entirely unexpectedly and unprovoked.
You didn't specify what you think may have caused your over-reactive startle response, except that it is a byproduct from PTSD.
It is a very difficult thing to deal with, but I do believe that it gets better in time; as long as there are not any new or continuous traumas. Also, our coping mechanisms and problem solving skills hopefully modify, in time, our over-reactive propensity to startle easily.
As I stated above, I cannot seem to control it when I am asleep or when I am over-stressed, upset and exhausted. Things like that. Good nutrition, excercise, doing things that are self-nurturing and recreational, rest, quality sleep and of course keeping stress to a minimum - all help.
Unfortunately, I don't get much support from my family or people around me. They don't have a lot of patience for it. I wish that they could go through it for just one day and know what it is like. I am very happy that you are getting the understanding and compassionate feedback that you are. That is very important.
Best wishes to you and thank you for sharing this. It is very informative and I enjoyed reading it and learning how you are dealing with it.
I apologise for taking so long to comment on your nice write. I am in the process of moving and that has been very stressful; but I am trying to stay calm. lol's
P.S. You did not specify what part (s) of the outline and/or style you used or if you give permission or not for your story to be showcased, as per the contest rules. You were supposed to list three references, as well. Please add this to your Author's Notes.
You may showcase your work anonymously, if you wish. That is an option, as well. Let me know. Thank you! -
Gee, I am sorry that you have to live with such a terrible illness like that. Thank you so much for sharing your story with us all here. We appreciate your entry and wish you all the best with it! Also, throughout your life. Take care!
Jeremy0826
Adding your comment:
