The biggest problem faced by any claustrophobic is that you're in a constant battle with your own mind. And its a battle you have to fight very hard to keep on top off. You know when the train is stopped in-between stations that it will start moving soon, but your brain will turn on your defence mechanism and tell you to run. You know that hundreds of people have used the hospital lift the day you go in for your appointment, but your brain will tell you that once you get in, you will never get out. All the self-help books that deal with claustrophobia tell you to try and picture yourself in a different location when you feel a panic attack coming on. You are supposed to stop, breathe, close your eyes and imagine running through an open field or imagine yourself flying in the stratosphere, anything to allow the panic attack to pass. But your brain will make sure that those relaxation methods are the hardest thing you have ever tried to do. Sometimes it doesnt even give you a reason why, all you know is that is if you dont panic and run, you're in trouble. The way to combat claustrophobia means battling with your own mind, a mind that chooses to ignore all your rational thought processes. All those changes you have make to your daily routine to avoid crowds, avoid rush hour and avoid elevators, your mind is to blame for making you do that. The perceived threat is too large for you to ignore. And it goes with you, everywhere you go.
