Looking for ideas for overcoming claustrophobia? Here’s what I did about it…
At six years old, I suffered from a condition which produced symptoms that can be best described as claustrophobia.
I felt sick, my heart raced, and my body temperature suddenly rose, and I started to perspire. The air felt like it was being cut off and I found myself experiencing a shortness of breath; I thought I was going to die.
So what is the condition called Claustrophobia?
The sufferer has an irrational fear of being in an enclosed space; this can be a visit to the caves, elevators, tunnels and other small spaces. I also had a fear of attending church and had to sit at the very back for a quick exit, in case I had another anxiety attack.
My suffering was instilled in me at an early age by the Roman Catholic nuns, who ran an orphanage for children who were without parents and ones where the parents could not look after their children because of circumstances beyond their control.
At the hands of these nuns, I was blackmailed emotionally, physically abused and other humiliating punishments (non-sexual). My parents placed me in this convent thinking that I would be safe.
Everybody perceives their life differently, and it depends on what initiated the anxiety disorder in the first place. Mine started by being in the convent for many years and the punishments I had to endure.
Tips for overcoming claustrophobia
Do not dwell on the past and bring it into your life now. This will ruin your life.
Don’t think about it, when you start to think about it dismiss this thought and think of something else. I know it is hard to do at first but with practice, one can overcome it.
Stress relievers are great for overcoming claustrophobia, such as yoga, meditation, stretching your body, having another hobby, something that you can become passionate about, gardening, reading, listening to relaxing sounds, personal development.
I no longer suffer from anxiety attacks because I focus my attention on everything that keeps me alive and smiling.
Focus your mind on the positives, NOT the negatives in your life, and be grateful for all you have.