I'm sorry but I started to laugh when you said you wanted to punch her balloon. But seriously I have the same problem.

My house in in the process of being remodeled and there are things all over the place and I see stuff out of the corner of my eyes and I swear it's always a man in black cloths. I hate that because it's an everyday thing for me.

I'm in the process of trying real hard not to look straight at it to confirm in my mind it's just a piece of furniture, so I can train myself not to be afraid of everything that can't move.

My startle response is so bad my family won't come within five feet of me until I acknowledge they are there. They stand at the doorway and get my attention before coming into the room. My daughter is 6 so she forgets sometimes, but unfortunately she gets reminded real quick.

It's a mess for me so I surely can sympathize with you.

Peace
Tammy