Terrified of Elevators

[Sunkissed999]

Hi! I'm new!  lovely to meet you all!

I'm slowly but surely conquering my claustrophobia...I've been riding an elevator every few days, and I'm finding that claustrophobic situations that used to paralyze me are okay. but I'm still finding elevators to be difficult to overcome. Has anyone been through this too? Any tips for tying up my loose ends? thanks! 

[ocdengineer]

Is it still the claustrophobia that gets you due to the size of the elevator or is it the idea that the elevator could fall or something.  I guess what is racing through your mind when you are on the elevator that causes you to panic?  If it isn't the confined space then the claustrophobia is gone.  The next step is to get over the fear of the elevator itself.  So what is the fear now when you are on the elevator?

Take care and keep doing what you are doing.  It shows great bravery to confront your fears like that and it is the only way you will get over the fears, so kudos!

Later,
OE

[Kate1982]

One way to wipe out your fear of elevators or claustrophobia either one, would be to try flooding. Under the guidance of a psychologist, you approach whatever scares you i.e. elevators and you ride one continuesly until you no longer feel afraid.  It's really intense and you have to stick through it the entire time even if you are having panic attacks, you cannot give up on it once you start it.  But it is an effective way to treat specific phobias and it's quick.  Another option would be to again work under the guidance of a psychologist and learn techniques to calm down.  Then you gradually expose yourself to your fear a little at a time until you can ride in an elevator as long as you like with no fear.  It sounds like you are pretty well on your way already, good luck!

[Sunkissed999]

Thanks for both of your tips! A day after posting this I managed to ride an elevator alone for the first time in a long time! It felt so gratifying. With your advice, I'm going to keep marching forward. Thank you both!

[Kate1982]

I'm glad to hear that things are going well for you.  Congratulations and keep moving forward!!!

[ocdengineer]

No problem.  Glad you are doing so well!   

OE