Might I suggest that you get a mirror to see behind you while you are at your desk?

Hey..

Man, I know that situation too, it soo sucks when it happen, but as someone else suggested, it can be for any number of reasons, "they" don't really need to know the real reason.
Usually I blame it on being caught up in my own thoughts, working on the tasks at hand, so i simply dont notice others around me.

But yeah, it is kind of embarassing some times (especially when you 've dropped the coffee in your lap TWICE in the same morning)

/Kent

Thanks Guys!

I really like the suggestion regarding humour and getting a mirror. I had forgotten that at a previous employer, I had a mirror on my desk... I think I will use that strategy again.

Being gentle with myself is something I hear from supportive friends a lot. I take myself too seriously and can really be hard on myself. I'm sure many in this forum can relate.

The other thing that was pointed out to me by some of my support outside this forum, is that many non-PTSD/non-survivors often have the same reaction when someone sneaks up behind them, that this response may not be so "abnormal" after all.

Peace

Hey River,

I never thought of a mirror, but there was a time when this was such a problem for me that I put a sign up at my doorway. It said, "Warning, contents under pressure. Please knock before entering or speaking. Thanks."

This worked well to remind people, most of whom had seen me jump at least once already. Sometimes, I'd just hear someone laughing when they read the sign and I was warned that way.

And it's not abnormal at all. It's quite common actually.

DOnald