As someone who can some what relate to this as well,i think its just fear of more damage.For me,my anxiety had rotted so long and so deep that it had done mental,emotional damage
both.Now that my panic attacks are now psychotic rage episodes,this means that my triggers vary and instead of backing away in fear like with panic attacks,i now lash out and with harm (very bad harm) this includes touching.Trusting someone is the biggest step in overcoming it and your mind needs to know that there is someone who will not hurt you,because in a sense-this is what your expecting to
happen.As i stated above,one of my triggers is grabbing or any form of force.A hug i can do but anything that feels negative to my mind as to supress or control,then thats when i will have an episode.though we have went through different things,the concept is still the same.Try working on things by people your heart knows wont hurt you and what your mind is afraid
of.Do you trust anyone? and can you work with them every few days in order to (at least) touch those you can trust emotionally? i also flinch and jump at sudden and loud noises and one reason i hate very loud thunder.I have learned that the mind and heart can not co-exist and they battle constantly but fear and anxiety are just from a broken mind that gave to much time and effort and now needs repairing but the heart still beats strong and remains
intact.Trust your heart with this one.i have faith in you!