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Elevators can be an anxiety-inducing situation for those who have a fear of heights, especially if they're taking a skyscraper ride.
This fear of confined spaces is known as claustrophobia, and elevators serve as a primary trigger for this very distressing condition.
The thought of being trapped with no way out can be simply overwhelming. The feeling is exacerbated by the sense of being locked in, with no way out.
It's because elevators represent a number of situations that are common phobias such as claustrophobia and acrophobia that it is essential to seek professional help in order to manage elevatophobia.
As a relatively small and confined box, elevators are often blamed for the onset of panic attacks.
In fact, it's not uncommon for someone with any one of these anxiety disorders to experience worry and concern when facing the prospect of using a lift. In extreme cases, people can even faint out of fear.
Among other phobias associated with being in a lift is agoraphobia, an extreme or irrational fear of entering open or crowded places. You may expect someone with a fear of open spaces to feel at home in an elevator, but not so.
The fear of elevators is a common phobia. In fact, there's a technical term for this particular anxiety disorder—elevatophobia.
Common causes for not wanting to take a lift include traumatic incidences involving elevators. Scenarios include getting stuck in a lift, or being assaulted in one.
And having been previously trapped in a small inaccessible place can cause some people to relive the trauma while traveling in an elevator.
An elevator is often perceived by sufferers as a place that encompasses several of these scenarios wrapped into one, and is an environment to be avoided.
Just the thought of confronting an elevator is enough to induce fear and panic in some people, so much so that they can break out in an anxious sweat.
Another anxiety disorder frequently charged into life by riding an elevator is cleithrophobia, the fear of being trapped.
A fifth, though perhaps less obvious, phobia associated with elevators is basophobia. This is an anxiety disorder where the sufferer displays a very real fear of falling.
An elevator lifts, and therein lies the root cause of another phobia experienced by someone with a fear of using one: acrophobia, an intense fear of heights.
People with basophobia believe they could stumble while walking, riding a bike, or walking down a flight of stairs, for instance.
But for some, stepping into this type of vertical transportation unit is akin to having a nightmare.
Those living with agoraphobia typically avoid "clusters" of related situations, like standing in line, being in crowds, and open spaces and enclosed spaces.
Fear of small enclosed spaces is one reason for the wave of nervousness that can envelop some people.
Being in an elevator, especially when alone, can cause sufferers to feel like the walls are closing in.
Imagine their fear, then, when inside an elevator, thinking it might malfunction and plunge rapidly to the bottom of the lift shaft.
Ordinarily riding an elevator, or taking the lift, is a routine and anonymous part of the day that barely merits a thought.
Of course, there's usually the option of taking the stairs, thus avoiding the need to ride an elevator. But this isn't always practical, especially if your floor is a top-story destination.
Besides elevators, cleithrophobia can be triggered by an underground tunnel, a deep hole, and even a bathroom, for instance.
For some, even confronting an elevator is enough to elicit an unbearable sense of dread.
Being crammed in a lift with a lot of other people can make those who don't like crowds prone to panic attacks, as they feel totally overwhelmed.
On a more practical level, those with elevatophobia can familiarize themselves with the workings of a modern elevator. For example, they are not airtight, so the passengers will not run out of oxygen. And most carry emergency phones or buttons, allowing passengers to call for help if cellphone range is compromised.
And it should be noted that accidents involving elevators are extremely rare. And while they can get stuck, cars today are supported by cables, making it virtually impossible for them to free fall.
One of the tips for lowering a fear of elevators, advocated by many psychologists treating elevatophobia, is actually to ride one every day.
Sources: (Sheridan Lifts) (Verywell Mind) (Kings III) (Medical News Today)
See also: The up and down history of the elevator
According to National Elevator Industry, Inc., elevators in the United States make 20.6 billion passenger trips per year. Furthermore, leading manufacturer TK Elevators claims that more than 245 million Americans use an elevator daily. But there are those for whom taking a lift means confronting some of their worst phobias.
Indeed, for some, riding an elevator provokes fear and panic. In fact, just the thought of entering one can induce an overwhelming sense of dread. But why is this so, and are there any rational explanations as to why such an everyday mode of transport can trigger such nervousness?
Click through for the lowdown on riding an elevator.
Why are some people scared of riding elevators?
The lowdown on taking the lift
LIFESTYLE Psychology
According to National Elevator Industry, Inc., elevators in the United States make 20.6 billion passenger trips per year. Furthermore, leading manufacturer TK Elevators claims that more than 245 million Americans use an elevator daily. But there are those for whom taking a lift means confronting some of their worst phobias.
Indeed, for some, riding an elevator provokes fear and panic. In fact, just the thought of entering one can induce an overwhelming sense of dread. But why is this so, and are there any rational explanations as to why such an everyday mode of transport can trigger such nervousness?
Click through for the lowdown on riding an elevator.