Claustrophobia
 

So....anyone here suffer from it?

I haven't been 'diagnosed' but from my reaction to the Subs/Nemo, I am thinking that I may be.

I'd love to hear any feelings/ experiences/ etc. on this.

In what other ways has it impacted your life, if you have it?

I am wondering if some things I have had issues with have anything to do with it?

And, I will check back today as much as I can for responses but as today is my only day off until next Sunday, please forgive me if I don't respond to later posts.

Thanks you guys!

I actually get claustrophobic in small bathrooms and stalls, so I usually opt for the accessible stall if it's available.

I also get claustrophobic in cluttered cars and other small spaces that have a lot of stuff crammed into them.

For the most part I'm okay. But then, I've never been in a situation where I've truly been trapped somewhere small, not being able to get out. I've never had a problem with small spaces, but when I imagine being actually stuck somewhere confining, I could definitely see myself freaking out.

For me it is mind over matter. If I let myself be bothered by small space, I can end up in a panic attack. But, I've learned to ignore my brain and just go with the flow. My big test was a recent MRI. But, I was able to deal with it.

Those are all things that I've experienced, as well. Disneyphile, I hate those small try on rooms that some stores have! GD~thank you for sharing that even though you haven't experienced the panic, you can imagine it. Some people can not.

NA, I agree it is mind over matter. At least, I try to keep it that way. If I think about it, that is when my heart starts to go a little faster and I start to get that flight feeling. On the subs, I just tell myself that it is only a ride, the surface is right there and I stick my face in the window, sucking up the air.

Does anyone think that my problem may also have something to do with how later in my life I have not been able to enjoy rides very much? Like ToT, I love it, am not afraid of it, but, when we are up there and I am screaming with fun, I start to feel sick.

That may not have anything to do with it but I have to ask.

Also. The reason why I am asking y'all {since I know you guys will be honest with your experiences and share, thank you!} someone asked me why I don't fly. Now, I do love road trips and haven't had a reason to fly but when I think about it, it isn't the take off or landing that freaks me out, it is being inside the plane.

Anyone have an opinion on that?

And, I've never ever flown. :blush:

With the subs, the air blowing on your face at all times from the portholes is supposed to help claustrophia.

I tried that trick when we lived in a dinky converted garage on a Wyoming llama ranch one summer. The sleeping space had a ceiling so low that it was maybe four inches from the end of your nose. Impossible to sleep from that clawing, closed in, heart-pounding feeling.

I dragged in a fan and aimed it on us. It did help to have a constant flow of air.

I'm not a big fan of small spaces. Subs I can do, but I'd not be thrilled if we got stuck on them for an extended period of time. I don't do narrow caves and to much clutter really makes me feel enclosed. I also don't like driving in LA due to the tall buildings and narrow roads.

As for flying, I don't like to fly because of the mountains at 30k feet that you might crash in to. Seriously, I'm not a big fan of flying because I don't know how to fly. I'm afraid the pilot and co-pilot won't be able to fly and no one will. And I'm still not convinced that giant metal tubes should be in the air, nor am I all that convinced by the physics behind it. Tube go up, tube go down.

My opinion is that I can let myself be afraid of lots of things if I wanted to. I can let my irrational fears rule my life or I can decide not to take them (or myself) too seriously and enjoy life. There is really only one squeamish fear I haven't been able to conquer - and that is my distaste of scorpions. But, I don't have the opportunity to experience those very often.

I went through a period of time when I was having lots of irrational fears - crowds, enclosed spaces, deep water, etc. It took a lot of mental work, but I really wanted to not have these fears rule my life any longer. I eventually got over them. But, it took a lot of mental power and it isn't easy when you haven't done it.

Now that I think about it - I love small spaces. So private and quiet. :) I have headed for bathroom stalls when I needed a moment away from some very public place.

We have an iffy elevator at the library. It has trapped people in it about 5 times since we opened a year ago - some were in there for 2 hours. Sometimes when I'm taking the elevator and it seems to take extra long for the doors to open, the thought crosses my mind that I might be stuck....and my gut reaction is always excitement. Kind of like being on a ride that goes 101.

Yeah, I'm weird.

Not claustrophobic... But, since we're discussing irrational fears, I will admit that I'm apiphobic; and have been since I was badly stung as a small child.