I am, and it can be a pain sometimes to deal with. So, here's some advice that has helped me deal with claustrophobia before, and if you're claustrophobic then maybe it'll help you as well. When in a stressful situation, remember to; - Visualise that you are breathing in blue, and breathing out red. This will help you retain control of your breathing. Do so slowly and as relaxed as you can. -You may also want to count under your breath, or try to focus on something else. - Remember where you are. Yes, I know it sounds counter-intuitive considering the reason that you are stressing out is due to your surroundings. However, personally I have found it helpful to remind myself that I am in fact in public, and that I am in a temporary situation (most likely) as it makes me less likely to lose control and possibly have a panic attack. I dislike the concept of freaking out in public, so it works as a motivator to stay calm for me. Unfortunately, in the past I have shown signs of panic in restricted areas, and bullies have picked up on this and shoved me in small areas reinforcing my fear. -Be careful who you tell about your claustrophobia. Some people will use you like a science experiment, constantly testing your limits and seeing how close they can get to you without you freaking out, and may make fun of you when you finally snap and freak out. Are you claustrophobic? If so, do you have any tips that have helped you deal with it?
yes, thank you for the tips...I don't think mine is as bad as others but like I generally avoid lifts. I feel better if it is see through and maybe only one floor to take but closed metal ones really get to me also the motion makes me sick but I have a weak stomach I guess. I could never take anything like a bit too tight around my neck or always were frightened if a T-shirt didn't pull over my head quickly enough I'm not sure if that is also claustrofobia?...
I'm a little bit claustrophobic. I dislike crowded places because I constantly have the feeling that I'm in everybody's way and I become anxious (On top of my already existing social anxiety). I don't like closed off small spaces, like elevators but I'm able to tolerate it for a short while, depending on how many people are in there with me and how long I will be in there for. Overall, I try to avoid anxiety-inducing situations to keep myself sane and functional. ETA: Another thing that makes me anxious and a little bit pissed off is when people stand too close to me in line. I have a big personal bubble and don't easily allow someone into it, and even if I do, it's not always...
I'm okay as long as I have some wriggle room and can reasonably move my arms and legs, but my pulse would start to race a bit if I found myself in a tightly enclosed space, with no clear exit.
I know this sounds weird, but I'm pretty much the exact opposite of claustrophobic. Im like a spider or something.
I'm the opposite. Generally I dislike hugs, especially firm tight hugs, since they can make me feel trapped. I often tense/ freeze up if someone hugs me in that way. Usually I only feel comfortable hugging/ being hugged if it's with someone I am close with, and if it's a gentle hug that I can easily escape from. Otherwise, I usually let the person know that I am uncomfortable, overtime they usually get the message, and then we greet each other by high five/ fist bump or something instead.
I, too, am the opposite of claustrophobic. The idea of looking around me and seeing nothing on either side is terrifying. I can't stand being in large empty fields for this reason.
Me too! I'm totally not a hugger and am more like a rag doll when being hugged because I don't hug back...
Crowds bother me for reasons not related to claustrophobia. I do hate small spaces, and small cars, and small showers... I have to be able to at least raise my elbows up to shoulder height in any direction. The bore of a CAT scanner or MRI is pretty much the only exception to it though.
The only time I'll feel claustrophobic is if I'm in a messy space. Then the room seems to shrink and I just get really stressed out >.< But otherwise, I'm the opposite. I actually prefer smaller spaces - they're easier to protect and feel safe in. I've got some weird, paranoid (& irrational) "quirks", so typically I'll feel 100% better if I'm in a room I can keep a close eye on.
I also like enclosed spaces a lot more than open spaces, I'm most comfortable when there is something pressed against me like sitting in a corner. I even have extra pillows and stuff to surround myself with in bed to make it feel less open.
I wouldn't call myself claustrophobic, but I have a strong fear regarding steam rooms which is quite similar. When I'm in a steam room, I start to involuntarily imagine that the door will somehow get blocked and I'll be left trapped inside, to suffocate and burn. Oh and also that the steam will burn my lungs. Also I start getting a feeling that the room is much smaller than it really is, which is even amplified if there are other people inside. Then I start panicking and have to get outside. I hold on for one or two minutes maybe, not more. I tried many times to overcome this fear but it never worked. After many tries I just gave up and never go there since. Weird thing is that this only affects me in steam rooms, not in saunas or anywhere else. Maybe I have some trauma from childhood, regarding steam rooms, that I don't remember...
