Anyone have Claustrophobia?

[Memorex]

I've always had it and there is the obvious trapped in a small place thing. And I found out about a decade ago that my uneasiness in a store when i feel I can't leave (cause wife is not ready to go) was related. But I just made sure I was never trapped in a closet and my wife started to understand when it was time to go.

But now I am having trouble sitting a desk with someone at work, if I am looking at their computer or doing training, etc. All my meetings have to be in the "large" conference room. I went to dinner with a friend the other night and as soon as I realized I was "trapped" against the wall and where the only way out was by people having to move, I panicked to where I had to end the dinner earlier than one would otherwise. I thought, how ridiculous is this? I'm practically ruining a social dinner by some completely unfounded fear. I couldn't tell you what the last 15 minutes of conversation was about because i was so preoccupied with an escape route.

I suppose it's time I focused on getting over it. Has anyone experienced this and gotten past it?

[Rick]

I've always had it and there is the obvious trapped in a small place thing. And I found out about a decade ago that my uneasiness in a store when i feel I can't leave (cause wife is not ready to go) was related. But I just made sure I was never trapped in a closet and my wife started to understand when it was time to go.

But now I am having trouble sitting a desk with someone at work, if I am looking at their computer or doing training, etc. All my meetings have to be in the "large" conference room. I went to dinner with a friend the other night and as soon as I realized I was "trapped" against the wall and where the only way out was by people having to move, I panicked to where I had to end the dinner earlier than one would otherwise. I thought, how ridiculous is this? I'm practically ruining a social dinner by some completely unfounded fear. I couldn't tell you what the last 15 minutes of conversation was about because i was so preoccupied with an escape route.

I suppose it's time I focused on getting over it. Has anyone experienced this and gotten past it?

I have gotten that uneasy feeling when I'm in a small area and can't seem to get out of it. Like the room at work with the time clock. It's small and stuffy, and people squeeze in there. But I don't feel like that very often. Usually, the only time I'm looking for an escape route at a dinner table where I'm hemmed in by people is when I need to go to the bathroom.

[Peartree12249]

I've had problems on airplanes. Especially if I'm in the middle seat. MRIs are the worst. It's like being in a coffin. But you can be given medication if you ask in advance. At least now they have open MRI's where the sides are open or where you can sit down and face out. Unfortunately, they are not good for all types of tests.

If you feel you're symptoms are increasing, I would go se a behavioral psychologist. Some our your symptoms could be removed with cognitive therapy. This is often used for people with OCD and agoraphobia for example. Good luck!

[tater1977]

Might be panic/anxiety attacks...
Have had 2 family members in the last year dx with them..
Some of their signs/symptoms sound close to yours...
One is taking meds, other is trying to work thru it..

[G.I.Jim]

There's been something that's happened to you in your life that's making you feel this way. Nothing wrong with it, and it may not even be something you can recall. You just need to see a counselor, get to the bottom of it and let them help you get over it. It's very common. People see counselors all the time, and there's nothing wrong with that. I've seen them myself. It helps!

I probably need to be committed, but that's a different story! Lol!! I hope you get this under control. You'll feel much better man! Best of luck, and I'm here if you ever need to talk.

[Memorex]

I do have work-related issues that get bad sometimes. My boss has a way of communicating with me that is not the healthiest, to say the least. But I do have a sense of what is a claustrophobic feeling vs some other stress.

I have to be honest. I used to go to therapy, and I'd like to go back. I probably will. Not happy about the fact that our medical records will probably be open for all to see in the not-so-distant future. Maybe I need to see someone that doesn't write anything down.

[G.I.Jim]

I do have work-related issues that get bad sometimes. My boss has a way of communicating with me that is not the healthiest, to say the least. But I do have a sense of what is a claustrophobic feeling vs some other stress.

I have to be honest. I used to go to therapy, and I'd like to go back. I probably will. Not happy about the fact that our medical records will probably be open for all to see in the not-so-distant future. Maybe I need to see someone that doesn't write anything down.

Don't worry about the current administration wanting to take your gun rights. They suck balls!! Just go to counseling and get the help you need.

[conversationpc]

I have sleep apnea and due to trying to use a BiPAP machine with the mask, I've developed a bit of claustrophobia as well. Needless to say, I can't use the BiPAP machine because of it, so I'm basically putting my health at risk. This has all come about since the last time I was on an airplane, so I will likely not fly again. I can sometimes feel this way in my wife's vehicle, which is a bit of a tight fit for me. Fortunately, I've only felt claustrophobic once in a restaurant and I managed to make it through without having a full-fledged panic attack.

[RPM]

Found out I have this when I was 21, buddy and me where in disneyworld crawling thru a dark maze structure
that was meant for kids, shoulders got stuck and had a panic attack. mine seems to be more related to tight
spaces height wise, visited some caves in missouri which I was worried about, but they were very tall and
didnt have a problem. The ride up to the top of the St. Louis Arch (very tight cage) almost put me over the top.

[Everett]

No claustrophobia here just workophobia

[Memorex]

Interesting replies. Thanks.

Sometimes when I say something out loud, or in this case write it, it helps take the edge off. Hopefully that will happen.

Speaking of Disney - the California park has Tom Sawyer Island and these small cave-like rock formations. I reluctantly went in and someone was in front of me and then someone got behind me and I was stuck having to plot their deaths in the event I had to get out. I never hated two people more in my life (in-laws aside). That was probably the single biggest panic I've had as an adult. Sustained panic until I weaved through what seemed like a mile of crevasses, but was probably only 10 feet.

While I hate that others suffer, it's comforting to know a few people just a stone's throw away on the internet that have this same issue.

[DrFU]

Stuff like this is not a personal failing; it's not like anyone would choose claustrophobia or a panic attack. Brains are weird, and they do strange things seemingly out of nowhere. Stress and shifting hormones cause them to act even weirder.

[Michigan Girl]

Hey, fu ...so great to read you!!

[TRAGChick]

I've always had it and there is the obvious trapped in a small place thing.

OMG...that was ME, two weeks ago; interviewing for a job....

...I'm practically ruining a social dinner by some completely unfounded fear. I couldn't tell you what the last 15 minutes of conversation was about because i was so preoccupied with an escape route.

I suppose it's time I focused on getting over it. Has anyone experienced this and gotten past it?

If I'm out to dinner with Mark, and we're at a table situation at a restaurant....I take the chair against the wall, so I can see everyone...and no-one can bump into me if I'm near the walking aisle. I feel more comfortable that way; if I can see everyone.

[DrFU]

Hey, fu ...so great to read you!!

Likewise, MG!

[majik]

Believing I am an entity or a soul or a mind living in a body must be very claustrophobic 24/7.
If that one can't be found then Who has claustrophobia.