I think the "why" is more biological and deals with the way the traumatized person's brain has developed to survive. Some good articles are found here http://www.trauma-pages.com/articles.htm

The fight or flight response is heightened in individuals with PTSD. How does one control his/her heartrate when freaking out? Your mind will naturally feel fear when you begin sweating, hyperventilating, and heart pounds. It doesn't matter if you see later and recognize the thing that startled you is benign. Your body and mind reacts.

Oh, then there's the experienced PTSD response . . . no obvious fear response . . . go into automatic pilot and dissociate. We are sooo in control now . . . ha! No, we save this fear for another day when we can process these extreme emotions when we are able.

I have gone years without dealing with my traumas. It takes time.

kimmydawn . . . you are NOT a freak. You are human. Your responses are normal, given the abnormal experiences you have endured. ((((((((((((((((huggs)))))))))))))