Steve,

        A very learned, measured response. Startle reflex is probably
generally accentuated in CP folk as a group. But it also depends on the
situation. Strange
social situation where the individual is tense is probably the most likely
to elicit hyper reactive SR's.

Bobby


>Hi Janet,
>
>Welcome.
>
>Interesting post.  As with the recent "anger" threads, seems we CP's are a
>"volatile" jangle of humanity.
>
>
>Beth and Trisha did good a job as any pointing to the sources of startle.
>
>There's likely no cure, mostly amelioration.  "SR" ebbs and flows over a
>lifetime.  Age and experience, humor, learning to go with the flow and jumps
>of life's jack-in-the box tendencies, reduce startle frequency and
>intensity.
>
>You might learn and practice meditation, deep breathing, shifting attention
>and focus.  I find premeditation (thinking through a situation:
>"pre-directing" (rehearsing) my behavior and responses, practicing "letting
>go") useful.  Medications may be helpful, though they have their downsides.
>Try herbals (Karla, Mag, suggestions?), limit caffeine, get sufficient
>sleep, rest.
>
>CP offers limited results.  So does life.  As I'm discovering anew
>affirmative self acceptance primes the serenity which centers, soothes, and
>calms.
>
>You're fine as you are.  Next time you glance in the mirror appreciate the
>beauty reflected.
>
>Welcome again.   Thanks for prompting this "he" point of view.
>
>Hugs,
>
>ISM
>
>
>Date:    Sat, 27 Feb 1999 19:47:09 -0600
>From:    Janet Mifflin <[log in to unmask]>
>Subject: Sensitive startle reflex
>
>Dear group,
>
>This is my first posting to the list.  I too am a CP with a very
>sensitive startle reflex.  I really can relate to the experiences posted
>so far.  Potentially anything will make me jump:  a ringing telephone,
>someone coming up behind me, a professor pounding the lectern when
>making a point, etc.
>
>I just started a new job a few weeks ago.  My new co-workers aren't used
>to my jumpiness.  I'm always more jumpy in a new environment.  It's
>getting frustrating.
>
>Has any CP with this sensitivity found anything that *he or she* can do
>to help this?
>
>Thanks,
>Janet