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So my question is, is it normal for emotionally abused children to respond to some things or people as if they have been physically abused by their parents? (EX: wincing when someone raises their hand, etc.)
Possibly, due to hypervigilance. Someone who's been emotionally abused may always be on guard, scanning their environment for potential danger. Maybe whoever their abuser was raised their hand to them but never actually hit them, however, the child was frightened at the time of the occurrence in effect they subconsciously wince whenever someone raises their hand.
I used to withdraw quickly when people tried to hug me because I subconsciously thought it was an attack, but that was because of physical abuse rather than emotional abuse.
I grew up with a fair amount of emotional abuse, but never any physical abuse that I can remember. Even after all this time, I still flinch when someone near me raises their hand. It's really kind of embarrassing how often I hear the phrase "I'm not going to hit you".
I can't really say whether or not it's normal though.
I do this too... If I'm having a conversation and someone raises their voice or makes a quick move, I'll panic and think they are going to attack me. If I'm in a "embarrassing" situation and I think that some will be angry with me, my instinct is to hide. You have no idea how many times I did that when I was younger:/
its quite normal,i was also abused physically and emotionally and over the years it has developed some things in me,im a loner and dont like anybody coming near me coz instantly i think he/she wants something from me wants to "use" me for something i dont like anyone touching me coz sub-conciously i still think of what happened to me..
My mom used to beat the shit out of me if my brother or I woke her up. She slept all day. To this day I cannot wake people up and if someone is sleeping and I'm awake I'm super quiet. I can open and close anything without making a sound. I think it's normal.
Yup lol normal. I was abused physically and emotionally though. it's hard to hang out with friends. Gets kinda embarrassing when your friend tries to get your attention in public, and you flinch or jump.
I try to play it off, but people still look at you like you are weak because of it.