by Lucinda Bassett
Hello Everyone,I have recently been working with a woman who has a severe elevator phobia. She actually hasn’t been on an elevator for many years because of her severe anxiety. She will take as many as 30 or 40 flights of stairs to “avoid” elevators. For the sake of privacy, I will call her Mary. In working with Mary, I have come to realize that many people have a fear or dislike of elevators, and I thought it might be helpful to share some of the tips I have shared with her that have offered her insight, reassurance, and motivation in the face of her fear and anxiety. She is riding elevators for the first time in years and it has been fun and exciting for both of us to challenge this phobia and learn new things.
The Facts About Elevators and Phobias
First I would like to share some rational information regarding elevators that I received from a local, well-established elevator company that works on thousands of elevators per year (mostly regular maintenance calls by the way, not calls of entrapment). This company maintains over 2000 elevators.- They estimate that they are called on for roughly 4 problems per year per elevator regarding issues such as odd noises and slowness, not entrapment. If that is your phobia, then you may be exaggerating the possibility that it will happen.
- Most service calls will be answered within 10 to 15 minutes, so even if you are stuck, you will only be afraid for a short period of time.
- Most new buildings have a regional person on call 24 hours a day with their maintenance provider so they can get services quickly.
- Most elevators can be opened in less than 5 minutes, so you do not have to experience anxiety for long. You may not even reach a stage of panic if you are stuck in an elevator if it’s opened that quickly.
- Most calls for entrapment are invalid, caused by a malfunction by the passenger. Most people with phobias are very careful of what they do, so you won’t be careless.
- When servicing an entrapment call most passengers are freed by the time an elevator technician arrives.
- The red stop switch allows you to turn off the elevator and open the doors manually at least four inches. This gives you a chance to relive anxious feelings with contact outside of the elevator.
- Most common operation issues are caused by simple debris jamming the doorway. Look down when you enter an elevator for debris such as trash, paper clips, or pens jamming the guide. You have some control over the environment
- There is adequate ventilation in an elevator; it is not possible to suffocate so there is no reason to fear it.
- This particular company is nationwide and experiences less than one entrapment call a month.
- The unlikelihood of being “stuck” on an elevator for a brief period needs to be viewed for what it would be… simply a mild, brief inconvenience, not a life threatening, out of control experience.
Suggestions for Those with an Elevator Phobia
Here are some basic suggestions for riding elevators with comfort that I shared with Mary. They also may work for you.- If you have a cell phone, take it with you. Many work on elevators now. Check it if you’d like to provide yourself with a sense of security that will diminish your anxiety.
- Carry a small book to read or an I-pod or CD player…just in case you do stop, you have something to do while you wait that can distract you from fear.
- If upset stomach is a concern, carry Imodium, Pepto Bismol, or Tums… so it is there if you need it in an anxious moment.
- Practice slow, paced breathing and relaxation before you enter the elevator and once you are on to reduce anticipatory anxiety and calm your nerves on the elevator.
- Once on the elevator, use positive self-talk to make yourself feel relaxed and in reality about the experience.
- Distract yourself, talk to others on the elevator.
A Mantra for Those with an Elevator Phobia
The following is a mantra people with an elevator phobia can use before they ride the elevator and once they are on… “It is okay to be nervous. I am calm and in control. Elevators represent freedom, and buttons represent choices, elevator doors open to new opportunities. I will breathe slowly and stay calm, and allow myself to under-react. It’s not a big deal.” Many people struggling with phobias have found that mantras and other anxiety management techniques, developed with self-help programs like the Attacking Anxiety & Depression Program, have contributed to getting over their phobias and anxiety, adopting a healthier, less anxious lifestyle.I hope this helps those of you who struggle with elevator fears. They really are irrational. You need to put your fears into perspective, give yourself some coping skills and empowerment tools to travel with, and then…go ride. The more you do it, the less anxiety you feel and the easier it gets. You may even begin to enjoy it.
Till next time…
Lucinda
