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Fear of enclosed places......


20 years ago 0 132 logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo 0
Like Cheryl, I always thought I was clausterphobic. I had a hard time riding in the back seats of cars(especially 2 doors) & have never like elevators. But I can't even stand it if the blankets get wrapped around me too tight at night. I have a whole list of things that make me anxious & they seem to be just like everyone elses. flying, dr's offices, busses, etc. I also notice that if I am in a new place (such as a museum when we were on vacation) I spend most off my time looking for "exit" signs. Then once I see one I feel better, when that one gets out if sight I start looking for the next one. Just to keep an exit within eye shot.
20 years ago 0 24 logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo 0
hi ladybug I have the same feeling whenever I am closed in or I feel closed in. Deep breathing helps me.
21 years ago 0 217 logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo 0
You know before I ever heard of Panic Disorder I thought I was claustrophobic....and I guess the two are tied together. My panic normally occurs in cars but only in heavy traffic. If I'm stuck in traffic, I'm trapped and can't go anywhere. Same with what you said about airplanes. I don't get on them, nor do I ride buses. I guess its a control issue as well. The bus driver has complete control of the vehicle instead of me, which just makes me anxious.
21 years ago 0 274 logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo 0
I too used to have fear of enclosed spaces, and still do a little, but have gotten much better since taking anti-depressants etc. I used to hate flying, because as soon as they locked the door, I felt trapped. I guess it is a common feeling for people like us, judging from the amount of correspondence you've had. I also hate those automatic car door locks, that lock up when the car reaches a certain speed. I feel locked in, and fear not being able to get out in case of emergency. I guess that is foolish, because I could just unlock the door in case of emergency. So it is just a feeling, and probably has something to do with our brain chemistry. I believe I was born that way, because, I was told by my parents, that when they used to try to put me in a bunting bag; a zippered coat bag for babies, I used to freak out then too. Isn't that interesting?
21 years ago 0 217 logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo 0
Oh, yeah....I did carry a magazine in there with me to keep my mind occupied as well.
21 years ago 0 217 logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo 0
Yes you do. This problem is very common and I had to see a new doctor a couple of weeks ago (new insurance, new HMO doctors....you know the drill). Anyway when I made my appt. I explained the situation and when I got there I only had to stay in the waiting room for 5 minutes and then they let me wait in a room.
21 years ago 0 37 logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo 0
question......i have a big fear of being in a doctors office...how do i "expose" myself to that?I mean do i just expalin what i am doing and ask to sit in a room?
21 years ago 0 37 logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo 0
Thanks Cheryl!I AM proud of myself...but i must admit,it seems SO weird to be patting myself on the back for something like this.I mean,most people can go get their taxes done and not think twice about it!It feels a bit degrading to know something so ordinary can cause me such stress.
21 years ago 0 217 logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo 0
You go girl! No it wasn't avoidance. What you did is take control of the situation and not let it take control of you. You should be very proud of yourself cause I know I am.
21 years ago 0 37 logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo 0
I also have a fear of enclosed places.As a matter of fact,this past sunday hubby&I went to get taxes done,i dreaded going,knew we'd be sitting in a little cubicle.Got myself all worked up before i got there and felt all the old familiar feeling while in there.I strted thinking of the words to a song i knew in high school and concentrated on getting the words right.I was kinda embarrassed that my hands were shaking so bad that i could hardly sign my name(i kinda joked that i had too much coffee to cover myself)-but i was thankful and proud of myself that i didn't get up and run out of the building or didn't toally panic.... But one question....is thinking of the words to a song just "avoiding" my fear,or was that the right thing to do?

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