fear of elevators!!!!! - Panic Disorders Message Board

scrap · 10-20-2003, 08:01 PM

Hi!
Just wondering if anyone has any helpful tips on getting over a fear of elevators. I have been claustrophobic my whole life and I really want to get over this fear. I can sometimes get on an elevator, but jump off before the doors shut. This feeling of panic comes over me and I just cannot do it! I have to go to a meeting next week on the 30th floor of a building and I really need some help so I won't have to walk up 30 flights of stairs!! I am taking Zoloft for panic disorder and it has helped control my panic attacks, but it does nothing for fear of elevators. Any advice will be soooo helpful.....Thanks!

VooDooFlp · 10-20-2003, 08:45 PM

LOL i know how it feels for some reason i developed a fear when i was very young and i still get anxious when i get in one. Anyway the only way to get over a phobia is to expose your self to it very slowly. dont try to just get over it over night because it simply doesnt work that way. If you are so afraid then try getting on an elevator with someone you trust.. take step by step. But my advice is to expose your self to it little by little. Do things slowly and stop whenever you feel you are going to panic. but do try to keep yourself calm. think in other things, i know its hard but you have to try to be able to succeed. Dont think too much about it though just do it. If it helps keep and cell phone with you i find it to be very helpful sometimes. Well good luck.

chrislvj · 10-20-2003, 09:58 PM

scrap

this is why anxiety becomes a dissorted, you will always have it if you don't do it. you need to get on the elevator, feel the anxiety and float threw it distract yourself and think positively. even if its going one floor or even closing the door, but not moving atleast try, you need to if you ever want to get over this ,do it despite the fear let it be thier and know it will not hurt you.

DawnMarie1978 · 10-20-2003, 10:46 PM

Try practicing in a department store like JC Penney where almost no one uses the elevator and there is only one floor to go up and down. That way you dont feel pressured about people and you know you wont be stuck with peoples demands to go three up or three down before the door opens.

PurpleRider · 10-21-2003, 01:14 AM

Try using positive dialogue. Write down positive affirmations and calming phrases. Try to focus on them and read them to yourself while you're in the elevator. I also hate elevators but I make myself go on them and distract myself.