By just thinking of being trapped inside a close and small space is not a good feeling for many. However, few people have a serious fear of this kind of situation called claustrophobia. Hence, it can happen even without any sign of danger. It is very difficult and stressful for anyone suffering from it. This fear may come from other kinds of fear.
1. The Fear of Treatment
Anyone with fear may find it hard to accept that they need proper treatment. Hence, thinking that they will go through treatment can make them very nervous. Since getting better depends on facing fear, the person may be unwilling to do any treatment.
Moreover, support from the family and friends of the person is very important to their recovery. Also, someone may find it challenging to go through treatment. Therefore, they need understanding, love, and support from people close to them. Likewise, some therapy sessions may ask family members to join the person with a fear of closed spaces.
2. Length of Treatment
A patient can stay inside a hospital for a long time, depending on the seriousness of the case. Also, some may go for long-term therapy, especially for a severe case of fear. However, some treatments may only last for 8 to 10 weeks. Hence, sessions are once or twice a week.
3. Proper Diagnosis
If you are experiencing signs more often and feeling nervous even by just thinking of the fear, you need to seek medical help. Hence, a doctor will do a physical check-up. Also, they may ask for some laboratory tests if needed. It is better not to wait for your claustrophobia to become too serious. Finding out the cause of it earlier can make it easier to treat. Therefore, it is easier to manage and treat the signs.
Doctors will ask you several questions to know how serious your fear of closed spaces is. They will try t know if:
- it is not linked to other health issues
- an event that will about happen is causing it
- if it comes from the environment
- it is starting to affect your daily life
4. Counseling
The best treatment for a phobia of small spaces is through counseling and behavior change. Hence, it will teach you how you can control the things that can start the attack. Also, one will learn how to change negative thinking to positive thoughts. By changing how you react to a different situation can help you become better.
5. Realistic Approach
This treatment involves changing unhealthy behavior and attitude. Also, it helps a person to separate reality from unreasonable thinking. Therefore, a person can develop a different way of thinking and overcome their fear.
6. Visual and Relaxation
Therapists will suggest activities like deep breathing and counting. As a result, a person will become more relax and at peace after doing it. By doing this, it can calm nerves and stay away from panic attacks.
7. Exposure
The best way to fight the fear of small spaces is to try and face it. Therefore, a person will need to stay inside a close space that is very safe and try to overcome the fear. Similarly, the idea is to expose you to the things that scare you slowly.
8. Medicines
Some doctors may give medicines to calm you, especially during the attack. However, it is only a short term answer to the problem. Hence, it needs to be taken together with other therapy.
9. Other Tip to Manage the Fear
Usually, people with a phobia of small spaces avoid places and events that can start the attack. However, avoiding your fear is not a long term solution. There are different ways to get better during your attack.
- By slowly breathing and counting, you can stay away from serious signs.
- You may also look at your watch or something inside the room that makes you feel comfortable.
- Also, remind yourself that you are safe.
- Challenging your fear by reminding yourself that it just in the mind.
Furthermore, it is better not to refuse to accept the fact that you are having an attack. Therefore, accept that it is happening and remind yourself that everything is OK and you are safe.
