Has anyone here improved in the way of becoming LESS easily shocked, startled, panicked? Or, regardless of that, do you have ideas for working on that sort of a problem?

An example of what I speak of is you're going about your day, and all of the sudden you notice a great big (fill in the blank.. spider, snake, etc.***) right next to your hand. You jump back, scared, with your heart beating fast catching your breath. But, you don't want to be startled and panicked, so how do you work on that?

I also quite interested in figuring out how this sort of panic and shock is different than say, "worrying." To me, worrying seems more emotional, and shock seems more instinctual. How are they different? How should they be handled differently in your opinion or experience?

***In my experience, insects and reptiles are NOT the only thing that can cause this, but are among the most popular triggers.