escalaphobia affects many people around the world.If you have escalaphobia, you may feel trapped when you are at the top of the escalator and feel like you might fall.When you try to step onto the escalator, you may have a rapid heartbeat, hot flushed feeling, and sudden trembling.You may avoid escalators in malls, subways, office buildings, and other public spaces to cope with your fear.When you have a general fear of escalators, adjusting your escalator riding habits is useful.You will most likely need professional therapy if you suffer from escalaphobia.
Step 1: When on the escalator, look ahead rather than down.
Keep your gaze straight ahead as you ride the escalator and avoid making eye contact with the stairs.You can get to your destination if you stay still on the escalator.The dizziness you might feel when riding the escalator will be reduced by this.
Step 2: Someone has their hand in the railing.
The side railings can be used to steady yourself on the escalator.Someone will hold your arm as you ride the escalator.This can help with your perception of depth on the escalator.Some people with a fear of escalators find that wearing sturdy shoes on an escalator gives them a sense of security and comfort.
Step 3: The escalator is empty.
Some people with a fear of escalators don't like being surrounded by others on the escalator during a busy time of the day or rush hour.If you want to ride an escalator, wait until the crowd thins out.It might help you feel less crowded on the escalator.
Step 4: Think about cognitive behavioral therapy.
The goal of this therapy is to change inaccurate or negative thinking so you can view fears with a clear mind and respond to them in an effective way.In a limited number of sessions, you will work with a therapist to come up with ways to overcome your fear.You can get a referral from your doctor, your health insurance plan, or a friend or family member who has experienced a good CBT session if you try it.If you have health insurance, it's a good idea to find out what your plan covers.The fees and payment options for the sessions should be checked before agreeing to a session.Before you go to the session, you should confirm the qualifications of the therapist.She has education, certification, and licensing.Training in psychological counseling is required for most trained psychotherapists.
Step 5: Exposure-based treatment can be used.
This type of therapy allows you to confront your fear in a controlled manner.Your therapist may use internal physical sensations to prevent you from avoiding your fear.Therapist assisted exposure-based treatments help you tolerate the fear and anxiety you associate with a certain experience.You may be exposed to escalators by your therapist.Once you become comfortable standing over an escalator, for example, your therapist may want you to put one foot on the escalator and then the other on it.If you place yourself next to an escalator with your therapist present, you will learn that the consequences of escalators will not be as bad as you think.
Step 6: Try to be hypnotized.
For example, if you are riding an escalator, your subconscious mind may react in a way that is inappropriate.A hypnotist tries to change the way you think in order to find new ways to deal with certain situations.In one initial session, the therapist will guide you through an imaginary experience on an escalator while you are deep in relaxation.If your fear is still in check, there is a follow up session.Before you make an appointment, you should ask your doctor for a referral to a certified hypnotherapist.If you want to know if friends and family have been to a good hypnotherapist, you can ask them.The usefulness of Hypnotherapy has been a subject of controversy within the medical community, and it may work better for people who are more suggestible.
Step 7: Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing can be tried.
Specific phobias have been treated with this therapy, which was originally used to treat post-traumatic stress disorder.You will be exposed to brief images of the feared object or situation and be directed by a therapist to practice eye movements, listen to tapping, or rhythmic tones.Rapid eye movement and processing of images of the feared situation will be used to decondition you of your fear.According to some experts, EMDR is more useful for the treatment of fears that have arisen out of a traumatic experience or for more irrational or impractical fears.A lot of people with phobias try exposure based therapy before they try EMDR.
Step 8: Get your eyes and ears checked.
Sometimes ear or eye issues can be caused by people who have difficulty staying balanced on escalators.Ask your doctor to check your ears and eyes for any issues that may be causing dizziness, and if you have visual issues, get your eyes checked.
Step 9: Ask for a diagnosis.
Your doctor can diagnose your fear based on your symptoms, as well as your medical, psychiatric, and social history.You should be prepared to answer questions about your fear of escalators in a clinical interview.Aphobia is a fear of an object or experience that is consistent for six months or more.Extreme distress or anxiety can be experienced when you are exposed to an object or experience.You will probably know that your fear is irrational and that you can't move past it.If your fear is so strong, you will adjust your daily routine, social life, or work life to avoid confronting it.You can use the official diagnosis of escalaphobia from your doctor to get coverage for therapies and treatment for your issue.
Step 10: You can get a referral for a therapist.
Your doctor can refer you to a psychologist or a cognitive behavior specialist.Discuss the pros and cons of each option before agreeing to treatment.