need help with anxiety

I need help with my anxiety. I have trouble going into a elevator and especially in the back seat of a car. I feel like i cant breath and feel tightness on my chest. it seems like everyone around me i tell just laughs at me and they just dont understand how i feel. i need some words of comfort.

[SassyLassie]

I wish that folks that laughed would one time experience the fears we feel, it is so cruel. What you are experiencing is so very real, and NOT funny, it is called "Claustrophobia" meaning fear of close spaces. You cannot believe the number of folks that are afraid of elevators and back seats of cars. You must feel trapped like the walls on coming in on you and that causes the shortness of breath and anxiety.

I do not know of any quick cures, try just standing next to the back seat of the car and then start looking into it. Do this until you feel comfortable looking at it. Next, try to see yourself as getting in and relaxing for an enjoyable ride, you don't have to get in, just visualize it. If you feel comfortable with that, then you can try to get in and sit down. Stay only a second if you are afraid. Keep doing this until you feel at peace, and, do not feel bad if at first you cannot do any of this, this is a real fear for you and you do not have to force yourself unless you want to. As for the elevator, try the same procedure, but, as I said, no reason to make yourself miserable.

If you have a primary care doctor who in understanding, maybe he/she can give you a mild tranquilizer that will take the edge off the fear and make doing these things less frightening.

I do not know what your beliefs are, but, if you are a Christian, prayer works wonder. Just picture our Lord being with you and helping you every step of the way.

I hope some of this helps. I am so sorry that folks make fun of you, some day they may have problems as well and then they will know how it felt when they hurt you.

Take care and please keep us posted on how you are doing.

Hugs
Susie