Elevator anxiety

[Coffee_always]

I work in a hospital and was stuck in an elevator once for 30 minutes. I literally have been fine for months but have been experiencing more work stress and a fear of elevators has now surfaced. It is really interfering with my work and I’m not sure what triggered it. I’m so scared of having a panic attack any time I get on an elevator. I can feel my heart racing as soon as the doors close. I’m supposed to go and shadow a different job tomorrow at a different hospital with even more floors! I’m not sure I can do this you guys, any support appreciated because I know I will have to use the elevator frequently tomorrow. I’m so claustrophobic. Any words of advice? I am trying to just make myself do this tomorrow and hopefully it goes well to just like dispel some of this fear.

[gajh]

I don't have any advice. I just wanted to Welcome you here. I wish you the very best for tomorrow. There is always someone here if you want to reach out tomorrow for support.

[Coffee_always in reply to gajh]

Thank you, I appreciate the reply and well wishes too. It helps to be able to tell someone how I feel, here’s hoping! 🤞

[gajh in reply to Coffee_always]

Please let us know how it goes. I will be thinking of you.

[Coffee_always in reply to gajh]

just an update that it didn’t go so well, I was only able to ride the elevator once, did do 11 floors but I just didn’t feel like I could do it anymore and I had to tell my friend I needed to leave. It just feels somewhat hopeless. Feel like my whole life is changing, definitely my job. I’m thinking therapy will be necessary now. I’ve been avoiding going back for years but I don’t think I can do this alone this time. Thanks for listening. I just feel really low. Time to just sleep.

[gajh in reply to Coffee_always]

Well I want to congratulate you for trying and for being successful riding the elevator once. It is ok, you do not have to do it alone. It will be good to get a therapist and have support. We will always be here to support you. Thank you for the update. I do consider it a success. You did it.

[Gingerbreadman1978]

morning not sure how to reply but can honestly say you are not alone on this one I avoid lifts like the plague got stuck in one my self for a short period of time was glad to get out and always take the steps now if using a lift has to be done just take nice deep breaths and count in your head 1 to 20 for example take your mind off where you are good luck 👍

[Starrlight]

I have that fear too. It makes me feel better knowing the phone numbers of people or offices in the building so I can call and get help. Now that I think of it isn’t there also an emergency button on elevators? It is still scary but less so with plans. You will be ok. Your mind is trying to protect you so maybe tell it that thanks but you will be ok and it can stop.

[FightingTheDark]

Just a suggestion. Maybe try going up and down just one floor at a time, take a break and try it again until the panic eases. I get nervous in tight spaces myself.

[Coffee_always in reply to FightingTheDark]

I think this plan would have worked much better, unfortunately I was shadowing a job that like didn’t allow this. I wish I could have done this, thank you for the advice.

[designguy]

I suggest you check out the DARE Anxiety approach to dealing with panic/anxiety. They have a great youtube site and website as well as a book available. It has been very helpful for me in learning what anxiety really is and how to constructively deal with it.