Results 1 to 7 of 7

Thread: Claustraphobia

  1. #1
    Member
    Joined
    May 2006
    Posts
    59
    Thanks
    0
    Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts

    Default Claustraphobia

    Is anyone else claustrophobic in tanning booths? I tried to tan once back in high school and I got in there and was in there for a few minutes and freaked out, I don't know what it was about it but I just had to get out of there.
    I also get nervous in elevators, weird, huh?

    So does anyone have any advice for getting over my fears? I'd really like to stay tan year round not just in summer, but I can't even bring myself to go to the salon. I managed to try the tanning beds once two years ago and for me there worse than the booths! Watching that lid close and make noise just terrifies me.

    I kind of feel like baby but all my friends think its hilarious, since non of them understand what I'm feeling. Ok thanks!

  2. #2
    Veteran Member CupCake's Avatar
    Joined
    Aug 2006
    Location
    CaliPornia
    Posts
    594
    Thanks
    143
    Thanked 99 Times in 60 Posts
    My Mood
    Relaxed

    Default Re: Claustraphobia

    Omg yes, my palms used to sweat, i used to figet from the anxiety i would get in the tanning bed, and i won't even ride elevators anymore. I'm on Lexapro now for my anxiety and it has helped me alot, although i still feel anxiety in my day to day life, it's just not as bad as it used to be. Try self- tanners they r much less damaging to the skin anyway I really like Lancome flash bronzer airbrush( it gives u a nice rich tan that lasts for a couple days). anyhoo if u still want to go the tanning bed go every couple days and alternate with the self- tanner. Also when your lying down in the tanning bed if u start to feel uncomfortable open the top up a bit more, or stick your hand out to sort of mentally remind yourself it won't close. Breathing techniques can be helpful for some people, you may want to try that breathe in your nose and out your mouth (almost like your going to whistle to control the amount of air that comes out, by concentrating on your breathing your mind will have a chance to wander from the claustrophobic feeling Hope I helped

  3. #3
    God/dess Mare's Avatar
    Joined
    Feb 2004
    Posts
    2,413
    Thanks
    10,356
    Thanked 3,466 Times in 1,087 Posts
    My Mood
    Stressed

    Default Re: Claustraphobia

    I was like that too. It just took time for me. But leaving it open some helps. Eventually just close it and feel the crack with your hand. Play with the top a little while you're in there just push it a little up and down. Try to set goals of a few minutes at a time. You will get there. Now that it's winter I love going in there. I still only go in for a few min b/c I am pale.

  4. #4
    Member
    Joined
    May 2006
    Posts
    59
    Thanks
    0
    Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts

    Default Re: Claustraphobia

    Thanks for the advice everyone, I'm going to go this weekend and I'll let you know if anything worked!

  5. #5
    Featured Member rusdancer's Avatar
    Joined
    Dec 2004
    Location
    Europe/NYC
    Posts
    1,511
    Thanks
    2
    Thanked 198 Times in 96 Posts
    My Mood
    Flirty

    Default Re: Claustraphobia

    They say facing your fears will help cure phobias.I had a weird attack of claustraphobia going snorkeling in my late 20's for some reason,never had it before.But after trying it again at a later time it went away.

    Hope you feel better.

  6. #6
    Veteran Member ohiogirl26's Avatar
    Joined
    Oct 2006
    Location
    NE Ohio
    Posts
    379
    Thanks
    275
    Thanked 46 Times in 33 Posts

    Default Re: Claustraphobia

    I have a major problem with phobias! First, as far as tanning beds, I worked in a tanning salon for 2 years, just for info: the lids cannot lock shut. Some people think they can lock. If you are concerned at all, leave the lid open, you will still get tan that way also. Ok, so on to my phobias, I'm totally freaked out to get on an elevator, and heights scares me big time! I'm also freaked out to fly on a plane (which I have done a few years ago, it wasnt a good exp). I'm headed to Vegas this August and need to deal with the plane fears. I cannot go to observation decks to view sites, or walk where there are cliffs next to me!

    My biggest phobia, however, is highway driving! Which now that I'm typing it, sounds funny but I was wondering if anyone has ever experienced this. I think its more a clausterphobic thing. Something about going 75 right next to those semi truck scared me to death! I take weekend trips alot during the summer to 3-4 hour away destinations. I have to leave at midnight for fear of too much traffic. Mostly, my husband drives and I cry, shake, and flip out all the way there.

    Am I the only one with this? Uhh, I hate it too! Usually, I'm so exhausted by the time we actually get somewhere and my body is totally stressed out. My hubby says I need to get on meds for this but I don't want to get dependent on that.

    Any advice? Sorry so long.....wow, im talkative today! haha!

  7. #7
    God/dess hockeybobby's Avatar
    Joined
    Nov 2007
    Location
    Canada
    Posts
    4,969
    Thanks
    1,811
    Thanked 597 Times in 382 Posts
    Blog Entries
    1

    Default Re: Claustraphobia

    To the OP: Find a salon that has a stand up tanning booth. Much better. Just stand in there, listen to the tunes, and dance. I couldn't stand the cracking noises from the lay down beds...made me think I was going to crash through the glass into the hot bulbs. *shiver*
    hb

Bookmarks

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •