Claustrophobia and Panic Attacks (What Causes Claustrophobia?)

Today I’m covering Claustrophobia - a fear of confined or crowded spaces - as well as Claustrophobia and Panic Attacks.
Have you ever wondered about the Causes of Claustrophobia? Well I'll cover that in the video.
As well as how Claustrophobia links to Panic and Panic Attacks.
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[@aprilkskoruppaisearchaholi8841]

I definitely suffer from Claustrophobia and panic attacks. Crowded rooms, planes, crowded elevators, sitting in back seat of a car or truck, planes and especially CT & MRI machines. I’ve only noticed my Claustrophobia in the last 10-20 years

[@AnxietySpecialists]

Well done on figuring it out. What have you done that’s helped so far?

[@briantrudyleupold4937]

I got off an airplane twice now from panic attacks. they are real. VR helped me get to LA.... there's hope in emerging tech

[@AnxietySpecialists]

That’s great! I’m hoping VR becomes more accessible. It’ll be a really useful tool, especially for flying fears.

[@christopherp3474]

You visited LA via virtual reality or you wore a VR headset while flying to overcome the panic?

[@bronnleyful]

I am claustrophobic and my fear of having a panic attack and lose control has stopped me from flying, using the tube, trains, driving through long tunnels, using the lifts. I will definitely look into virtual reality, it is the first time that someone mentioned it as a tool to help you with claustrophobia, many thanks 😊

[@bryanthompson12]

I'm with you Brian...I have to get absolutely hammered to get on flights. And I'm not afraid of flying, just claustrophobic. VR may be a great idea

[@kiannawilliamson5673]

Thank you for this video!! Knowing that somebody understands what I go through makes me feel like I can overcome this debilitating illness.

[@AnxietySpecialists]

You absolutely can! Keep at it and you’ll get there 🙂

[@bukolaegharevba8291]

Excatly

[@cliffgareau3861]

Yes very much so, that's the way l feel in a elavator, can't wait for the door to open, this phobia is very disrupting in my life must get control over this.

[@AJ-gz6qd]

Same here

[@Herakli_]

Did you guys get rid of that feeling.. being stuck in the elevator

[@AnxietySpecialists]

Hey @Herakli, it tends to take some work, but it’s very do-able to get through with some treatment. It’s something I help clients with regularly.

[@katett3]

I live with Claustrophobic, and it feels like I'm the only one in the world who is going through this. My one didn't came from childhood trauma. One day I get lost in the bank station London,I walk through in tunnel there which seemed endless during the started thinking this will end so I immediately got panic attack, someone helped out of the station but since then I can't go high rise building, airports underground, I get anxiety whenever there isn't open windows or easily exiting. It's really daunting.

[@AnxietySpecialists]

That’s hard Katett. It’s common for people to feel like they’re the only ones with an issue like this. That sounds really restrictive for you. What are you thinking of trying to improve it?

[@Jesuswillreturnn]

I suffer from Claustrophobia and it’s been really hard 😢 Thanks for the video

[@AnxietySpecialists]

No worries! Hope the next video in the series helps 😊

[@Unclebuns72]

Great video I had an MRI recently that totally opened up this realm of claustrophobia Even sitting in dentist chair

[@AnxietySpecialists]

Thanks, glad you found it helpful. There’s a follow up video on the treatment for it that you may find useful 🙂

[@jimwebster7317]

For me it's a true handicap in life. I've limited myself emenesly. Alcohol has seemed the only help. But I quit drinking do to abuse. Benzo's work to a certain degree. I know it's all in my mind. But there are times I just want to be knocked out. Have had since 16. Any situation I can't control escaping. So yes plane, elevator heights, passenger in a car. Tunnels, boats if I can't see shore. It makes life hard. Before my first panic attack I feared very little. Then all you can do is worry about another one. Viscous cycle.

[@AnxietySpecialists]

Hey Jim, sounds rough and really limiting. Were you thinking you’d try treatment involving the psychology of that viscous cycle?

[@seemasuradinia1120]

Wow. Your voice is so calming for a claustrophobic video. I never imagined that been bullied/ abuse can cause such a serious condition. Looking forward to your next video you mentioned.

[@AnxietySpecialists]

Glad you enjoyed it! Hope you’ve been able to watch the next video covering exposure for claustrophobia 😁

[@marievonsternberg4064]

Thank you for the video. I can relate. Looking forward to seeing how to handle the fear of having a panic attack

[@NadiaSLeto]

Thank you for the video. Explains a lot in a simple way and you described exactly what I feel. When i get a panic attack i just think about running and escaping from the crowded space I'm in. It's really frustrating i don't know if I'll be able to control. I'll watch your video of exposing myself to situations but just the idea of it is freaking me out.

[@AnxietySpecialists]

Thanks. Yeah the next video is virtual exposure - so a nice easy start for you 😊

[@bukolaegharevba8291]

Your voice helps alot and fear of death happens to me more before I start to panic

[@wguspeed3866]

Something you said expresses EXACTLY the faulty line of thinking that plagues me when on a plane. I am not necessarily afraid of the lack of space. It’s more so an issue of a thought that goes like this, “I had an incredibly strong feeling of doom once when starting a flight. It was so strong it made me fear that I would lose self control and embarrass myself in front of everyone in the plane. WHAT IF that happens again but THIS TIME I really WONT be able to handle it and I will cause catostrophic reputation damage to myself or the intense feelings of doom will be so prolonged that I will be miserable for a 14 hour flight.” Turbulence doesn’t bother me at all. The thought process I just described plagues me. I’ve been able to push past it for 11 years of flight, but EACH one is a struggle and I debate not flying each time which would be bad for my job…which then compounds the stress. LOL. You are the first person that actually described the REAL issue of fear or catastrophic reputation loss. I though I might be the only one with this irrational though process. Any advice on how to destroy that particular line of faulty thinking?

[@AnxietySpecialists]

Yeah, this is by far the most common cause of the fear of going in enclosed spaces or flying. A step by step process works best, that gets your adrenal baseline down so the sensations aren’t as intense, and changes the danger assumptions that have attached to multiple body sensations. If you want any help with this, I help people through this all the time, just let me know.

[@GaryBonar]

This is exactly what I’m dealing with, it’s ruining family holidays and getting me really down. I’ve recently been prescribed beta blockers by my GP and I’m hoping that these will greatly help me. Thanks for your comment as it’s made me feel like I’m not alone with my issues.

[@AnxietySpecialists]

Good 😊 Let me know how it goes.

[@kingfox1139]

You are really underrated mate! Absolutely loved the way you delivered the message to us viewers.

[@AnxietySpecialists]

Thanks kingfox that means a lot 😊

[@NHJDT]

I had a panic attack on a plane in Mexico when i was pregnant. My baby made me feel like i could barely breathe and it was really hot that day. Type of plane where the doors are open to the outside air and you walk up the steps to the plane. I was sitting in between a man and my husband feeling trapped and hot. I was feeling like i was going to suffocate and die. Since then tight spaces, closed spaces, and extreme heat will trigger it. I need help as I'M supposed to get on an international flight in a month and a half

[@AnxietySpecialists]

Yeah, sounds like the panic side of things. You felt hot and like you weren’t getting enough air. Your brain interpreted that as you dying, and since then similar situations have triggered that belief. What you’ll want to do is work through a structured process of experiencing each of those sensations in isolation, so the brain can change its misinterpretation and you feel safe when you experience those again. Let me know if I can be of further help with that.

[@wings3913]

how did it go?

[@NHJDT]

@@wings3913 it went ok. I watched a lot of his videos, bought the ebook and worked through those sensations. Within Asia we took about 6 flights and each time I was panicky but it was really bad on one of the flights. I still have a lot of work to do but it didn't stop me from flying everywhere I needed to

[@wings3913]

@@NHJDT glad to hear you got through it, that's crazy to have gone on 6 flights! I read somewhere, maybe on this video's comments, that virtual reality headsets could be a workaround. maybe consider purchasing one and trying it next time you fly? I'm definitely looking into it myself

[@t.doughty7389]

this was so helpful to me! I think I indeed have a bigger fear of panicking in a confined space than being in the space itself. It relates to social anxiety- I am really afraid of having a panic attack and people staring at me, or having a loss of reputation as you call it. Getting extreme nausea from anxiety is the absolute worst symptom. For this reason, I dread flights weeks in advance. If I could go on the plane and have my own row or be in first class, I wouldn't even care. Sadly though, that will never be an option for me so I guess I have to actually confront my anxiety. Thanks so much for the video.

[@AnxietySpecialists]

Hey, no problem. Yeah, I agree, the nausea sucks! Hang in there through the treatment 🤓

[@catherinebirch2399]

I often feel anxious when I have to enter an underground station, but a week ago I was in Paris and visited the catacombs without feeling anxious in the slightest.Very strange.

[@AnxietySpecialists]

Nice one giving it a go, going to the catacombs, when undergrounds are hard for you! Anxiety can be oddly specific sometimes 🙂 Advantage for you though - you’re free to do some activities anxiety-free. No work required 😁

[@2004america]

I am Extremely claustrophobic , to the point thaf I cannot wear a necklace , or rings, or jackets with Zipper . Every time i get in a room , I check for escapes, I never lock a door. Elevators and subways are a nightmare. My last panic attack was last summer when we went to a remote cabin in the mountain, and here you have all the space you want and yet I felt trapped. Now, I am terrified of dark too. Thats a new one. Like I didn't have enough gojng on. This spring I have to fly to Europe and I am terrified. Good luck to all of us !!

[@AnxietySpecialists]

I imagine it feels pretty distressing having it worsen like that and encompass more and more activities. Usually, when it does that, it’s based on fear of fear - your brain’s decided panic symptoms are dangerous, or a sign of impending danger, and activating fight or flight (giving you the urge to flee). The good news is that treating the panic disorder will get you back into all of those activities, including your upcoming flights.

[@houndmother2398]

I don't lock doors either. If If you're claustrophobia is that severe, see if you can get someone to give you some medication to help you with your upcoming trip. They can give you some temporary stuff To just make it through.

[@handeyecoordinationskills]

I totally understand, I'm with you

[@blue.5058]

I had a stroke a little over a month ago, which resulted in my having two panic attacks in the hospital. I would go on to stay in a hospital of some sort for the better part of a month. Now I get anxious whoever im in a room about the same size as a hospital room (ex. my bedroom). I would go through a shortness of breath and want to be outside. Once I WAS outside (either through taking part in my PT routine or being on my way to take care of business), the shortness of breath and overall anxiety would end. At first I thought it was my medication causing the symptoms, but as time progressed, it became apparent that it was different. I still go through periods of time where being in an enclosed space (like one about the same size as those hospital rooms I’ve been in or my bedroom) will give me shortness of breath and some form of anxiety, usually a need to be out in the open, which sucks as I’ve never had this feeling before.

[@AnxietySpecialists]

That’s rough having panic disorder spring up like that 😣 What are you thinking you’ll do?

[@marcyeoman9563]

Watching this made me realize it comes from my mother. It's only been going on the last two years. I'm now 49 years old

[@AnxietySpecialists]

Oh right. Like, your mother gave you some unhelpful experiences, or she had the same anxiety and you picked it up from her?

[@upcycle4earth393]

I’ve never had cluster phobia . I developed it this year /acute. It’s strange I feel trapped in my body and then trapped in room . I’m going to see a dr because it came out of no where. My stress and anxiety increased maybe ?

[@AnxietySpecialists]

Yes, you’ve got the right of it - there’s typically an increase in stress or anxiety which increases your adrenal baseline. Then you get more intense physical symptoms, which the brain interprets as dangerous and then you feel trapped in the room and in your body with those adrenal symptoms.

[@LetsDeadlift]

Sir I suffer from extreme panic from this. It is at night usually while I am laying down to bed. I will get an overwhelming urge to get up, my chest tightens, I get shortness of breath, and I am unable to continue laying. I will pace my room for a while usually about 15 minutes, it is very difficult to really describe the sheer terror I feel sometimes. But listening to you I am starting to realize there may be some past trauma I need to resolve. I just wanted to say thank you for talking on the topic, I am going to try and work through this and hopefully I can get a little bit better. Thank you again for the help

[@AnxietySpecialists]

Absolutely! You’ve got this 😊

[@damianomarraffino6164]

Me too.i need to resolve this, just in case I find myself trapped one day

[@AnxietySpecialists]

Good thinking. Let me know if you’d like help resolving it.

[@maria-lena5919]

U nailed it! Everything U said is exactly what I feel (including the cause of claustrophobia)!

[@AnxietySpecialists]

This is one of those situations where I’m like, “yuss, awesome! Nailed it! I mean, oh no! Claustrophobia. That sucks!” Do you need any further help with it?

[@DarkReaperK97]

As a kid, my brother used to lock me in the room whenever I did something to piss him off. And I'd stay there for hours and hours until my mother came home to let me go. This happened often. Ofcourse I told my mother about this, but she never did anything about it. It was going on from when I was 5 to 9 years old. I'm 25 now and I suffer from this shit and it interveres with my daily life. God I hate this.

[@AnxietySpecialists]

Sorry to hear that K9Seven. That does suck! That’s exactly the kind of negative experience that can lead to a fear of being confined.

[@zaragazdova5244]

It was good to hear it summarised like this. Although I know pretty much all of it, how it happened, when it happened and what triggers it, it will be great to learn more of how to deal with it. I've had it for years (since I was a kid), but it was mild up until I had one moment. I loved travelling. That was the most important thing in my life. Until i had an attac in a plane and now I haven't been on one for the past 4 years. When it happens the control or the lack of control actually, not being able to think straight and fight the idea that as soon as they close that door I can't breath and i am gonna suffocate is horrendous yet to my brain real and beyond dangerous. I've had it for years (since I was a kid), but it was mild up until I had one moment. I loved travelling. That was the most important thing in my life.

[@AnxietySpecialists]

It’s always such a shame when that happens, isn’t it? When something you love turns into this huge threat. That does very much sound like the kind of claustrophobia or fear of flying that isn’t actually either - it’s panic disorder that is triggered by being on a plane ✈️ - what you’ll want to do is work through the worry-based thought pattern about panicking and get each adrenal sensation that your brain’s misinterpreting as dangerous feeling safe again.

[@tracey-anng7021]

Omg I am completely the same way! I love traveling and want to be able to do that again. Have you found anything that works?

[@AnxietySpecialists]

Hey Tracey, sorry to hear it’s stopping you from travelling! Was the question about finding something that works for me or Zara?

[@tracey-anng7021]

@@AnxietySpecialistsIf there are any solutions to this I am really interested in knowing. I would love to find a solution that works

[@AnxietySpecialists]

Yeah, there definitely are solutions. This one’s a favourite of mine to help people through. I see you’ve booked in a call with me, so I’ll fill you in there 🙂

[@michaell5026]

Spot on!

[@shomariwhite6754]

Thank you for that insight.

[@AnxietySpecialists]

You are very welcome. Glad you found it helpful

[@medwayhospitalprotest]

I think claustrophobia is one of the sensible phobias, as there is a genuine biological desire for safety that drives it. One thing I heard was that people with a higher IQ are more likely to develop it. Personally, it was always something I suffered from, being afraid of lifts (elevators) from an early age. However, I was able to ride in them, I just disliked them. Then there was an incident where the door handle of a hotel bathroom broke and I was trapped inside it, with my toddler daughter, and no phone. I managed to bash a hole in the door and shout into the hallway until we got rescued. This wasn't what really turbo-charged my claustrophobia. That was an MRI. After years of having them and being OK, I had developed Sleep Apnea, and now find lying on my back makes it harder to get a good breath. In addition, the bulb you press to call assistance broke and although I was calling, nobody answered and my trust in the staff went. I climbed out after about 40 minutes and had a panic attack, the first ever in my life. The next I was supposed to have, I had staff spying on me to see how far I could walk unaided, because the authorities were checking out my disability claim. I got a total BS story about them being unable to assist me, although eventually they did. It was so unpleasant that I finally completely lost my trust in the staff, and the hospital. 😔 Since then I have been completely unable to do an MRI, and my general claustrophobia has ramped up. My ability to use lifts now depends on how stressed I am. If I am already stressed by something I am completely unable to. Saturday, I had to give an interview at a police station, related to a hate crime I was the victim of, and I had forgotten those rooms have no window. Cue panic attack. 😔 Much of this is now more related to how little trust I have in people. I have suffered a lot from the authorities in the UK, being constantly surveilled, in what I do online, but also in person. It is horrible traumatising. The government has created a hostile environment for disabled people on welfare, and is also making is impossible for people to access healthcare.

[@dimplemalik7772]

Hello Sir. I am not claustrophobic but i feel i am starting to feel the same. I felt claustrophobic twice in the past 7 days. Once at night when i covered my face with blankets because i was feeling cold because it was cold. However after a few seconds i wanted some air so i just had to remove the sheets however i felt i was tangled inside those blankets and struggled to uncover them for a few seconds my breathing became very heavy and i panicked. The other time i felt like this was today. I was distributing fruits to the poor today. At first there were few poor people who gathered around me as i distributed fruits after a few seconds more people gathered. I then felt that i could only see their hands and not their faces. Their hands felt more and more confined . My heart started poundinf and i started to cry and felt breathless. Luckily my husband was there with me and took charge. I felt the fruits wont be enough for the number of people who were hungry and i wont be able to help them and the closer their hands were approaching me the more i felt that i would get engulfed by them. They were poor harmless people who infact got scared and started pacifying me when i started crying. The common factor beteeen both times was that i was definitely tensed. I have never felt claustrophobic ever in my life. Ive had panic attacks 2 years ago. Currently going through a rough phase in life. I wanted to know have i developed claustrophobia and if yes will my condition worsen. Please help.

[@AnxietySpecialists]

You’ve described the typical way it develops - through panic. If your brain thinks the panic is a sign of danger, and you start avoiding closed-in situations so as not to feel panicked, then that’s claustrophobia. The real core is the fear of panic. So that’s the most effective to treat (a relatively quick treatment with high efficacy - so that’s good 👍).

[@xavior718]

My cousin developed claustrophobia a few months after the sudden loss of both her parents separately. She seems depressed and is fears losing people in her life now. She sees a therapist because she wants to get back to how she was before but it’s not helping. We don’t know how else to help her but to talk and be with her as much as we can.

[@AnxietySpecialists]

Sounds like she means a lot to you. It’s really hard watching someone struggle like that and it seems like nothing’s helping. Hang in there, I’m sure your presence means the world to her.

[@sumitsinghkanpuriyabhaiya405]

Yeahh bro this is real it happened to me nearly after 1.5 years of my father's death and I am claustrophobic now it is worst I see rest of my friends and family living normal life but I couldn't it's hard don't know what to do 😢

[@AnxietySpecialists]

Sounds like you’ve had a rough time of it! Know that it is possible to work through it, with the right process.

[@houndmother2398]

Thank you this is helpful. I have a history of anxiety and depression and had panic attacks when I was younger. Also panic disorder. The part about childhood trauma Make sense and that I was bullied by my step parents.1 thing I really picked up was learned helplessness because like couldn't get out of the situation obviously. It's definitely impacted me isn't adult. My biggest problem is airplanes and elevators. Also bathrooms where I have to lock the doors and I'm not familiar with The bathroom itself. I have a trip coming up, a 5 hour flight to California at the end of the month and I am trying to get myself prepped to handle this Better than I think I might.

[@AnxietySpecialists]

Sounds like a struggle. I’ve got a great program for this that people find really helpful to get travelling again. Let me know if you’d like some more info on that.

[@mirriamlimata854]

Am claustrophobic its not an easy thing. I dont use elevators . Hurt clossing my doors. I feel that i will not travel by plan due to claustrophobic

[@AnxietySpecialists]

No, not easy having claustrophobia. It’s very restrictive not travelling by plane or using elevators. Are you thinking you’ll get some help to improve that, or leave it as is? I know getting help itself can be scary.

[@cheddercheese-s7r]

If it’s tight and dark, I can’t breathe, but if it’s tight, but it’s light I can do it

[@xronald619x]

For me it's the airplane taking off the ground and cabin pressure. Sometimes claustrophobia bugs me. But not really

[@AnxietySpecialists]

Is your brain worried about the pressure being a sign of the plane crashing, or that you’ll have a panic attack?

[@xronald619x]

@@AnxietySpecialists panic attack I get them when the plane gets off the ground 5 minutes later I'm more relaxed. But at times cabin pressure bugs me out as well and so does turbulence. Tomorrow I'm heading back home to Miami I got 4mgs of Clonazepam ready I shouldn't have a panic attack I should be relaxed

[@AnxietySpecialists]

@xronald619x ah yes, that’ll do it lol. So you’re sorted for your immediate flight. Have you got treatment for your panic disorder lined up so, long-term, your flying experience can be better?

[@Mysha-786]

U r totally right all this symptoms happend with me since many years😢😢😢😢

[@AnxietySpecialists]

Sorry to hear that Mysha. Got any help?

[@philipholding]

Those pesky mirror neurons. Always said anxiety was contagious.

[@AnxietySpecialists]

Only over time from close loved ones, like parents. I’ve got another video on only stress being contagious over the short term, not anxiety 😁

[@ligayabaldomerocornitoserr9521]

thank you very much

[@AnxietySpecialists]

You’re very welcome 😊

[@the_infinity_channel]

I have claustrophobia for 27 years now and I did have trauma in childhood. I had been I mean my whole family were attacked by my father brother, uncle who is criminal. He get into our house amd tried to kill us all. We locked the door and wait police to come. As a child after that acident I locked myself in room twice a time where my family saved me and break throught windows. Once upon a time I also get drown in the swiming pool but the first exlerience is far more. The first one got really ctpsd from all of my family trauma. I do use elevetor, car, bus traim. But in train I can say I do feel it more same as in elevetor. Also I had one car accident with my brother but I did escaped first. Thankfully we are alive. I don't thinkg I couls survive in airplanes or long drive in trains. Please someone help what I could do ? What would help?

[@AnxietySpecialists]

Wow, you’ve been through a lot! I’d recommend you start CBT treatment for the claustrophobia thoughts and behaviours in the present, then throw in EMDR treatment for processing the trauma. That way you’ll hit the causative memories and the maintenance cycles that are keeping the fear going.

[@heidyiglesias5536]

This was helpful

[@AnxietySpecialists]

Awesome, glad it could help you 🙂

[@yogitasingla7998]

Is there any way to get rid of it? Mostly during flight travel. Have flight of 4 hours and its very urgent. Its my first time to go on flight and am too much worried on this like how to overcome this problem. I think i will feel anxiety before closing door as well. Any medicine or way out for it.

[@AnxietySpecialists]

Absolutely, there’s a way through it. That kind of fear tends to be based on a misinterpretation of the sensations that happen when we get anxious. So a core part of sorting it out is working through those misinterpretations. Giving your midbrain the experience of each one being safe. Not something you could do in a week, but you could achieve it in 6 weeks.

[@lloydjohnson4284]

I was about 7, got stuck in a elevator, door opened to a brick wall inbetween floors, i passed out. Been fucked up since......

[@AnxietySpecialists]

Blimey Lloyd, that sounds rough! Sorry that happened to you. I assume it affects you when needing to take an elevator. Does it extend to claustrophobia in situations beyond that as well?

[@Morefact]

Certainly does. I try to ignore it but it does. Can fuck ya mind up.

[@user-ij6sp4bq6g]

I have severe claustrophobia.Icant enter a wash room without ventilator. I can't use washroom in plane. Any cave or narrow passages,if I avoid all these, I get terrible claustrophobic nightmares, the effect lasting for days with rapid heartbeats. I wentforgradual sensitisation, do breathing exercises. Do rajyog meditation. Om saanthi. Brahmakumari Sathi Devi. All the best, sibs

[@AnxietySpecialists]

Sounds rough! How are you in those situations now?

[@user-ij6sp4bq6g]

@@AnxietySpecialists By doing meditation, I m getting over the terrible fear. Thanks a lot 🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏

[@AnxietySpecialists]

Nice one!

[@ramintell8538]

I do have this phobia at high level..I am looking for a solution it.

[@AnxietySpecialists]

It’s a real pain when it’s severe like that. I’ve got an intensive program that can help you get on top of it if you like. Details at anxiety-specialists.net

[@kevonmcneil8346]

Mine started when I was real young. Had a mouth surgery and when they put the mask on me I freaked out.. now I can handle being in spots where I feel like I can’t breathe

[@AnxietySpecialists]

Makes sense - very clear starting point for the anxiety. How often do you find that getting in the way of things you want to do now?

[@khapluentertainmentchannel5174]

Sir what GPMA6 and its role in claustrophobia and its treatment

[@AnxietySpecialists]

Well, in animal models, mice with the GPMA6 gene needed less stress before their prefrontal cortex was affected. So it’s possible that people with that gene would notice reduced emotional control faster, in less stressful situations. We don’t treat genes though, so treatment would be the same: You want to get that adrenal baseline down, enhance the prefrontal cortex’s control effects and shift the beliefs from threat to safety with targeted experiences.

[@handeyecoordinationskills]

My claustrophobia has worsened in years and you know I cannot be even a passenger in a car because I am out of control and I cannot even go into a lift or a bus , I'm terrified that ill pamic so i avoid it , cant trust myself anymore 😔

[@AnxietySpecialists]

That’s rough! It’s hard when anxiety gets worse and worse like that. I’d love to help, let me know if that’s something you’d be open to.

[@handeyecoordinationskills]

@@AnxietySpecialists Thanks , well I've pretty much given up at this stage because I'm 54 and too tired to be trying anymore but cheers for the heads up 👍

[@AnxietySpecialists]

No worries

[@user-fc2sv3vv4i]

Ii thought it's was not real until I experienced it ,was developed when I was ,37,years old ,I got a nice attack because of fear that I will soffucated and inside the car,it was horrible ,

[@AnxietySpecialists]

Sounds rough. Anxiety conditions can hit at any time in life. Know that you deserve support. The sooner the better, but It’s never too late.

[@ryanlee8051]

Never knew how bad my Claustrophobia was until i watched the final descent that spelunker upside down death move watch it if you wanna see if you truly are claustrophobic. Something about being able to feel my own breath hit my face and being unable to move my head freely FREAKS ME THE F**K OUT!

[@AnxietySpecialists]

Fair enough

[@PatmanAstro]

i worked a job where i was in a ship's ballast tank and it had a 3ft ceiling and a 2x3 escape door. I lost my damn mind. to make matters worse, there were 5 people blocking the door and we had to wear hazmat suits.

[@AnxietySpecialists]

Yeah that sounds plenty stressful!

[@Mofongo2024]

I get panic attacks in airplanes. I suffer allergies caused by contact lens cleaning solution which has affected my nose. I get very congested with the a/c on the planes. One things leads to another. When I feel I can’t breathe then it triggers the panic attack like my mind realizes how small the space I’m in is and then it takes a minute or two before the attack ends. I hate it. I need to visit my daughter in another state and I can’t travel alone.

[@AnxietySpecialists]

Sorry you’re struggling with that when you just want to visit your daughter. Sounds like you’ve got the catalyst for the anxiety all figured out and your next step is to get your midbrain to learn that you’re not in mortal peril from any of that, so it doesn’t set off the panic cycle.

[@Mofongo2024]

@@AnxietySpecialists how do I do that?

[@AnxietySpecialists]

@leydamendez I’ve got a process I walk people through to get through exactly this. If you like, I can walk you through on a call. You can book in on my calendar here: www.anxiety-specialists.net/vsl

[@bradojacko8247]

Can neuropathy or nerve issues cause claustrophobia to develop?

[@AnxietySpecialists]

I’m a roundabout way, yes. The nerve pain could act as a trigger for panic disorder or kick it off in the first place. ie. your brain says, “ouch, that hurts! We’re dying!” And then you get a spike of adrenaline to help you escape to safety. But it just intensifies the pain and makes you more worried it’s getting worse. If this occurs in a space it’s hard to escape from then the brain could associate it and not want you to go into a situation like it again - thus causing claustrophobia, where you’re afraid of difficult to escape from places!

[@bradojacko8247]

@@AnxietySpecialists interesting. So, if this is the case, can clausterphobia be cured by resolving physical nerve issues and if so how might this be done? Also, is there any correlation between myelin or lesions on nerves or sciatica etc. and claustrophobia or panic attacks?

[@AnxietySpecialists]

The claustrophobia would generally need psyc treatment to resolve, so you don’t have any anxiety pinging off the physical symptoms. As for your phys/neuro questions, I’m not sure sorry.

[@thecowboyscorner]

Is there any notice that is the sillies idea even know this is very going to make people mad or upset cheer me up how big is a small space kills people except for rock slide but an elevator seriously it's not that dangerous what time it is falling

[@AnxietySpecialists]

Sorry, I don’t quite get what you’re meaning…

[@RobertSGravesBrau]

As someone who suffers from claustrophobia, I know the causes of it. You didn’t tell me a damn thing. How do you prevent it?

[@AnxietySpecialists]

🤓 you go through the process of treatment. As you’ve probably figured it by now, it’s not something that you’ll sort out with a hot tip or two. There’s a linked video that’ll start you off on that treatment, in virtual format, so you can get going on improving things from there.

[@jimwebster7317]

You nailed it...unfortunately or fortunately. Great I always wanted to be one percenter. Just not this kind...:)))

[@AnxietySpecialists]

😆 I know right.

[@Bbreezy1337]

Beeing in an airplain accident : 💀

[@AnxietySpecialists]

That’s what the anxiety is around for you?

[@NicNicLouisiana]

During sex missionary position feeling smothered and suffocated is that anxiety panic or claustrophobia?

[@AnxietySpecialists]

Could be either really. But I find most claustrophobia is caused by a panic cycle.

[@Timetravel1111]

GPM6A? What was the gene 🧬 ?

[@AnxietySpecialists]

Yes, that’s the one: GPm6a.

[@khapluentertainmentchannel5174]

What is treatment of GPM6A​@@AnxietySpecialists

[@khapluentertainmentchannel5174]

What istreatment of GPMA6 plz tell me i m in pakistan and my father and grandfather an me also suffeering plz help

[@AnxietySpecialists]

Sure thing. I’ve replied on the other comment you posted just before 🙂

[@Texan27]

Anxiety just started shortness of breath.

[@AnxietySpecialists]

Start of a panic attack for you?

[@raywitte7354]

A MRI is my kryptonite

[@AnxietySpecialists]

Yeah, that’s a common one. Especially with the, “now don’t move”. What have you tried so far with that?

[@raywitte7354]

@@AnxietySpecialists I had the MRI today. I just sucked it up and tildy self the only way to fix my arm and shoulder is to deal with the MRI for a half hour. I almost freaked out a bunch of times.

[@AnxietySpecialists]

@raywitte7354 sounds like it was rough! I’m thinking your adrenal baseline might be a bit high. Have you checked out my Anxiety Reducer Guide? It goes into that in a bit more detail.

[@steveide2448]

Ffs submariner for 22 yrs…now suffering!

[@AnxietySpecialists]

Wow, how long since you finished submarining?

[@user-xg6zn4qo6n]

Is anyone here from Georgia ( country) i need a claustrophobic friend

[@KapilKumar-gg1ok]

In my case Claustrophobia is related to nostalgic depression.

[@AnxietySpecialists]

Nostalgic? 🤔

[@KapilKumar-gg1ok]

@@AnxietySpecialists yes nostalgic depression.

[@AnxietySpecialists]

So, negative thinking about something in your past? Is it claustrophobia- related, or does the thinking make you depressed and then there’s anxiety/claustrophobia about the feelings of depression?

[@KapilKumar-gg1ok]

@@AnxietySpecialists whenever I think or think about my past... specially regretful mistakes...that changed my negatively...my childhood was so beautiful and my present life is full of sorrows and regrets... whenever I think about my past... I feel suffocation and heavy breathing...I run to open space...I think plane journey is impossible for me... My mother also has Claustrophobia whenever in narrow space.

[@AnxietySpecialists]

That sounds unpleasant. You’re not looking to improve on that?