How can I get over having phobias over elevators ?

Question

I can not ride in elevators. I walked up 6 flights of stairs when my brother was in the hospital and also walked back down 3 days in a row. When I get on an elevator, when it drops to another floor, I get sick in my stomach, I have a phobia that the doors will not open up and I will be stuck. What can I do ?

Answer 1

The only way to do this is to face your fear. Beleive it or not, when conquering phobias the best way to do so is to play out in your head the worse thing that could happen to you and the end result. Although this might seem somewhat strange as it will get you more worked up at first, in the end once you get off of that elevator you will feel like you accomplished something as you are safe. Doing this repeatedly will help eleviate this phobia to the point where it will not bother you.

--- Added: In response to the Psych. R.N.: RN is exactly that, a registered nurse. I will charge $165 an hour to tell you the exact same thing I just typed. Also, I am not in training. Sorry. The treatment for this is similar to a OCD behavioural disorder, the only way to get over this kind of thing is to make yourself do it. The only thing a psychologist will do is tell you to ride the elevator. Think of the worse thing that could happen. i.e. Doors do not open, you sound the alarm, you have to wait 15 minutes for someone to reset the elevator and voila! you are out. Also think to yourself if elevators were so bad would people ride them on a regular basis?

Answer 2

I used to do that too. It's not the elevator that you are afraid of. It's the fear of being trapped. You have to recognize the fear. Think about the statistics. How often do you hear of people dying while trapped in an elavator? Not that many. If the elevator gets stuck they will come and get you out. Rationalize the fear. Trying riding an elevator up one floor until you feel comfortable enough to try two floors, and so on.

Answer 3

Any good psychologist should be able to help you. A phobia like yours is the easiest kind of psychological problem to treat effectively.

They will use relaxation training, make a graduated list of your fears regarding elevators, and use systematic desensitization
to eliminate your fears regarding elevators.

I just read your answers. The psychologist in training needs to get more training. You are already facing your fears by getting on elevators, sometimes. If that worked you would would feel less anxious each time. When you see a psychologist, he/she should also help you change some of your self talk.

Answer 4

If that is the only phobia you have, I suggest some short term desensitization by a psychologist. If you are experiancing other phobias, perhaps you need treatment. The best thing to do is get in and out of an elevator.. push yourself to get in, and ride up one floor, then 2, then 3..

Answer 5

As long as there are other people in the building, you won't get stuck too long. Don't worry.

I've been in elevators that jammed but each time we were rescued within a few minutes. Macy's had a telephone in the elevator and we called for help. They gave my sons and me each a free meal and then a taxi ride home. At Japan Center, a workman heard us banging and calling-out. He used a crowbar to open the stuck door.

Answer 6

Ride up or down a floor for a few days. Then increase it slowly. Confess in somone and have them ride with you whenever possible. It will never go away but you can control it a lot. You will be surprised at how many people have that phobia.

Answer 7

close your eyes and imagine yourself in a wide open area. try to ignore the motions. when you get on the elevator, go with another person and keep talking.

Answer 8

There was a documentary on t.v a few weeks ago about a woman with the same problem and she tried hypnotherapy,a couple of weeks later her problem was gone

Answer 9

you shouldnt be afraid of getting stuck in an elevator........ you should worry about the cables snapping and falling to your death

Answer 10

Take the stairs?