[JoeS21]

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.

[kaliope]

the panic shock you are referring to is instinctual. it is referred to as the fight/flight/flee/freeze response and it is a physiological response triggered by the brain. your heart beats faster to pump more blood to your limbs so you can run away/fight danger. your system recognizes something as a threat to your well being and triggers this response. it is automatic. all your body's energy goes into saving you.

it is much different than worry which is thought/emotion

[JoeS21]

Thanks. Another method of eventually fixing this, I'm thinking could be taking a time out after a scare or panic happens. During that time out, I could think through what happened, and any illogical responses. Example, I panic over seeing bug*, then sit down and think, "Okay, it was a bug. So what? (Analyze what about the bug got to me and reassure myself that I am safe. Wait for the panic to go away and try to re-enforce the idea that it's safe to be around bugs.)" I think if I keep taking time out to recollect myself, eventually the panic might go away.

Anyone use a similar method? Or another method?

*I'm not really afraid of bugs, but we can plug in any word in the place of "bug" to make this relevant.