The other
definitions on here don't do this word justice. Claustrophobia is in fact, NOT the fear of
Santa Claus, contrary to popular belief. It is the fear of a) tight, enclosed spaces, b) being trapped or restricted (movement-wise), or c) suffocation. Claustrophobia can be a very serious issue and is extremely debilitating in all aspects of life.
Claustrophobia can stem from many things, even seemingly
insignificant things. To give a few
examples; waiting in a line for a long time, putting in in-ear
headphones, using snorkel masks, going underground, being sick and having a stuffy nose, standing in elevators, among many others. Being in situations like these can result in one type of the fears listed above.
Claustrophobia is a horrible fear to have, and it should be taken seriously. Having it can make a person feel like they are going to die. I know what it feels like to have a panic attack from claustrophobia and it was THE most terrifying experience of my life. Nothing can compare to fear like that.
In the end, however, claustrophobia is not without treatment. If you are reading this and have claustrophobia, I won't tell you to not worry. All I can say is your fear is holding you back from loving life the way you could and help is out there!
John has claustrophobia. He feels trapped while riding escalators, which
sometimes makes him have
panic attacks. John uses mental and physical
techniques to deal with his fear, and rarely has anxiety anymore.
