weird phobia: terrified of escalators?

Question

Everywhere you go Brns and Nobles, the cinema, the mall, escalators, escalators, escalators. But iam sooo scared. I can go up fine, but down no way. Sometimes i just try and go for it and the run away in a panic. People must think I'm crazy. I have to go down creepy back stairs to get out of second florrs. It's horrible. Is it odd for someone who lives in NYC to have such a fear?

That's actually where it started. July 18th, 2005 I'd just landed in DR. I'd never had a problem before. I had a small suitcase. My bro, sis, and mom went on and i was walking towards it when i realised i couldn't. It's almost like there's a forcefield right before the first step.

so it's airports that do it! My god, that's terrible. Airports give people fear of escalators!

Answer 1

At the airport once, I almost had a panic attack because I thought I had to go on an escalator.

You're not alone, I am indeed terrified of escalators too.
I can not go up or down up. I can't step foot on one, I will start crying from fear. It is a real phobia.



EDIT EDIT -
Lol! You said "It's airports that do it"
Heh. That was just an example.
This fear started when I was ten years old in the mall.
Unless you were joking.

Hehe. Take care ;)

Answer 2

No, it's not odd. People sometimes develop phobias for different things, especially if it involves something that has been traumatic for you. Going down escalators can be scary. If you want to try and work through the phobia, you can do it. Start out slow...like by just thinking about going down an elevator. When you're okay with that, go someplace where there is an escalator and maybe look at it (I know that sounds strange and would probably seem strange to people around you, so you might try doing this at a time when there's not a lot of people around so you don't feel embarrassed about it). Next try stepping on the platform thing that's in front of an escalator. Finally try going down one. If that freaks you out, you can always turn around and walk back up them if you need to. Bring a friend or family member when you do this stuff so you have someone supportive there with you. If you don't think you can do this on your own, there are therapists that specialize in helping people work through phobias. In NYC I'm sure there's probably lots of therapists that would help you in a situation like this If you do try the things I suggested, make sure you take each step slowly and don't go on to the next one until you're okay with the one before it. Hope this helps.

Answer 3

You may have vertigo...the movement of the escalators make you dizzy perhaps..I have that feeling when riding in the mountains with no safety rails on the sides of narrow winding roads..

I guess try to reassure yourself that you will be OK and look at them as an easier way to get around than actually walking..I know from one end of an airport to another would be a long way without escalators..take care...

Answer 4

I remember as a kid being terrified of escalators; I was never sure I would properly get off one. I didn't live in a big U.S. city like N.Y.C. either.

Most phobias respond well to behavioural treatments like systematic desensitization. I'm sure you'll find a therapist who can help you with this, N.Y.C. must be the therapy capital of the world. Even if it costs you some money, it's worth doing, as you won't be going down creepy back stairs in a town where something like that is not a good habit to get into.

Answer 5

I'm scared of going down them, and I too have said I'd go down and run away. But there has been times I just do it. My palms sweet, my heart pounds and I only look at the stair as just a stair. That has helped me. I grew up in Chicago and it's the same out there. I just taught myself to not panic as much. I still do every now and again, but I'm a lot better then I once was.

Answer 6

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Answer 7

this very common, not weird at all.
once you get over it, you'll never go back, it' taking the first step, that's all you have to do.
you'll go down, thinking , this isn't so bad.
I would try to do the smallest one you can find first, and go to a place that is not busy, or a mall that just opened, and is not busy, and just try.
When you get to the escalator, just DO IT. don't think about it, just tell yourself you have to. The longer you try the more your anxiety level will go up

Answer 8

Learn the technique for combatting panic attacks, at http://www.ezy-build.net.nz/~shaneris on page 8, and use the gradual exposure therapy, in the phobias section (check out Agoraphobia).

Answer 9

That is funny, I have this too. There have been times where I cannot get onto one. What is this?! In airports, when I have luggage it is the worst. I am sure this does not help, but hopefully makes you feel better that someone else is in the same boat!

Answer 10

I actually have a undesirable concern of (ambulance) stretchers! I freak out if I see one, my coronary heart starts racing and that i'm getting genuine lightheaded like i pass to pass out. and that i additionally can not do chalk in any respect. I hate the feel of it yet I dont have a phobia of it like I do stretchers