Publications
Partners
This week, the world watched with bated breath as the rescue of 33 Chilean miners finally got underway. We’re not only admiring their valiancy and patience, but also their courage and endurance.
The mental trauma of being trapped underground in a tiny space, in the dark and without a bathroom - for almost 70 days – is nothing short of heroic.
Claustrophobia is said to affect between 5-7 percent of our population and the psychological effects can cause anything from acute anxiety, a loss of self-control and sweating, to rapid heartbeat, shortness of breath and an overwhelming sense of doom.
While there are many drugs and treatments available to combat these debilitating symptoms, there could come a time in a sufferer’s life when none is available.
Our best advice? Be prepared.
Here are 5 tips for dealing with panic relating to claustrophobia:
Find a distraction
Scared of getting stuck in a lift? Does the thought of flying frighten you? If you find these situations claustrophobic, then your first response should be to try and distract yourself by thinking of something or someone who makes you happy, or talking to people around you.
Breathe deeply
If you sense a panic attack coming on, try to eliminate your anxiety by taking deep, regulated breaths, moving your body, stretching or walking around.
Identify your feelings
It’s the last thing you WANT to do, but recognizing what and how you are feeling may help you stay in control or less likely to freak out.
Compose yourself
Discover your panic triggers and practice – beforehand – techniques that calm you. Closing your eyes, humming, listening to music, tightening and releasing your muscles… whatever helps you to relax.
Express your fears
Talking about your fears and emotions can affect how quickly you rise above your panic and anxiety. Ask any psychologist and most will tell you that verbalising the way you feel is the first step to recovery.
How do you combat the effects of panic, anxiety and claustrophobia? Share your tips with other readers in the box below.
The mental trauma of being trapped underground in a tiny space, in the dark and without a bathroom - for almost 70 days – is nothing short of heroic.
Claustrophobia is said to affect between 5-7 percent of our population and the psychological effects can cause anything from acute anxiety, a loss of self-control and sweating, to rapid heartbeat, shortness of breath and an overwhelming sense of doom.
While there are many drugs and treatments available to combat these debilitating symptoms, there could come a time in a sufferer’s life when none is available.
Our best advice? Be prepared.
Here are 5 tips for dealing with panic relating to claustrophobia:
Find a distraction
Scared of getting stuck in a lift? Does the thought of flying frighten you? If you find these situations claustrophobic, then your first response should be to try and distract yourself by thinking of something or someone who makes you happy, or talking to people around you.
Breathe deeply
If you sense a panic attack coming on, try to eliminate your anxiety by taking deep, regulated breaths, moving your body, stretching or walking around.
Identify your feelings
It’s the last thing you WANT to do, but recognizing what and how you are feeling may help you stay in control or less likely to freak out.
Compose yourself
Discover your panic triggers and practice – beforehand – techniques that calm you. Closing your eyes, humming, listening to music, tightening and releasing your muscles… whatever helps you to relax.
Express your fears
Talking about your fears and emotions can affect how quickly you rise above your panic and anxiety. Ask any psychologist and most will tell you that verbalising the way you feel is the first step to recovery.
How do you combat the effects of panic, anxiety and claustrophobia? Share your tips with other readers in the box below.
