Tips to overcome the fear of lifts
The fear of lifts is not as uncommon as some may think. There are various reasons why people develop an elevator phobia - it could be derived from claustrophobia (fear of all closed-in spaces) or simply be caused by a fear of getting stuck somewhere with no escape. Just like with any other commonly experienced phobias, like the fear of heights, darkness or spiders, fear of lifts can have significantly negative effects on people’s day-to-day lives. Luckily, there are certain things one can do to overcome this particular phobia.
Break it down
One of the key ways to deal with any kind of fear is learning to fully understand it as well as the reasons behind it. Try to break this fear down into several points: what exactly are you scared of, how intense is your fear (from minor anxiety to panic attacks), what is the worst case scenario that could happen to you and how likely is it to happen statistically.. This will help you rationalise your own feelings and work with them better, now that you see it for what it actually is, based on realistic facts.
Plan ahead
Even when the worst case scenario might not be very likely, preparing for it in advance can be a great way to deal with your fears. The first thing to do is learn what exactly you should do if you get stuck in the lift. Knowing how you would seek help in such a situation and the normal parts of the evacuation process should help you feel less anxious about it. You can also do other precautions, such as carrying water and snacks with yourself or never riding an elevator when you need to use a toilet, etc, just to make yourself feel more “prepared”.
Face your fears
In many cases, the best way to get over a fear is by actually facing it and proving to yourself that you can deal with the stresses it causes. Therefore, you should never let this phobia interfere with your daily activities - try to find ways in which you can practise using the lift without panicking. For instance, getting someone to go with you or support you through a phone call is a great way to make the first step. Some people also find VR games incredibly helpful, as they simulate certain scenarios in a realistic way, helping them get over their fears without putting them through it in real-life.
Distract yourself
If you feel confident enough to ride an elevator on your own but simply struggle with the anxiety that it brings you, look for ways to distract yourself during those few minutes. To some, this may be listening to their favourite music or playing a game on their phones while others may find different forms of meditation more helpful, such as counting to 100 or focusing on their breathing, for example. Once you’ve distracted yourself, you will be out of that lift without even noticing, having successfully dealt with your fears.
Seek therapy
Lastly, if nothing seems to help you cope with your elevator phobia and you feel as though it’s ruining your life, seeking therapy is the best option for you. This is nothing to be ashamed of - in fact, it’s highly admirable to deal with your issues in a real, mature way. A therapist will talk to you to figure out the exact triggers of your fears and will help you overcome them using various exercises.
