The fear of elevators can seriously ruin a person's life, especially if his apartment or office is located on the upper floors. Using the stairs every time can be tiring, especially if you have to do it often. In addition, do not forget that phobias have a bad effect on the psyche, which means that you need to get rid of them, and not look for excuses so as not to ride the elevator.
Causes of fear and methods of dealing with it
The most important thing to do for a person who is afraid to use elevators is to understand why he has such negative emotions and what exactly he is afraid of. The choice of treatment method will depend on this.
Sometimes a person cannot figure out the reasons for his fear on his own, since they are hidden in long-forgotten events. In this case, it is best to contact an experienced psychologist who can use hypnosis to find answers.
If you've ever been stuck in an elevator and don't want to relive the unpleasant moments associated with this incident, think about what exactly scared you the most. Write down the problems you encountered and then list a solution for each one. For example, you can remind yourself that you have a mobile phone with you, which means that it will not be difficult to call for help. If you are afraid that the light will be turned off in the elevator, keep a small flashlight with you or buy a phone with this function.
People who are afraid of being attacked in an elevator should ride either alone or in the company of 3-4 people who clearly do not know each other. In this case, the risk of being attacked is very small.
How to get rid of your fear of elevators
The fear of elevators, like claustrophobia, is often characterized by panic attacks. By learning how to deal with them, you will learn how to get rid of fear. Use a deep, even breathing technique. When terror rolls over you, smile - even if you do it purely mechanically, the brain will decode the signal, and the panic will slowly begin to recede. Do this every time before riding the elevator.
If you have acquaintances nearby, you can talk to them - this is a great distraction. Another option is to call someone and get carried away by a short conversation.
Once you've mastered the technique of quickly dealing with panic, get into the habit of taking an elevator one floor and then walking two floors up the stairs. When it becomes easier to do this, increase your time in the elevator. Take your time, do not push yourself - to get results, you need to act consistently
When you feel fear again, imagine your inner child and talk to him the way adults talk to toddlers. Come up with short, soothing phrases that you can actually say to your child. Repeat them silently to calm yourself down before riding the elevator, and you will notice that the fear begins to gradually subside.
