How to manage claustrophobia?
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Hello, my sister in law is 30 years old. She is experiencing severe anxiety, and also has claustrophobia. When faced with the triggers she feels light-headed, dizzy, nauseous, and is afraid that something terrible is going to happen to her. She is depressed and has massive issues with claustrophobia. She is unable to go into any building if she cannot see the exit, and unable to go up or down more than one flight of stairs anywhere. Her daily life has become a serious challenge. Things are getting worse and worse. Can anybody suggest how to manage claustrophobia?
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@labani The first step in getting treatment is to see a psychologist or other mental health specialist. Several types of therapies can help.
• Exposure therapy: It gradually puts into the situations that frighten the patient to help get over the fear. At first, you might just look at a photo of a tight space. Then, with your therapist's help, you work up to being inside a tight space.
• Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT): This is a type of talk therapy where you meet one-on-one with a trained therapist. You talk about the negative thoughts that drive your fear and learn ways to overcome them. You may get CBT alone or combined with exposure therapy.
• Virtual reality (VR): This uses computer simulations of tight spaces like elevators or MRI machines. Getting the experience of a tight space in the virtual world can help you get over your fear in a setting that feels safe.
• Relaxation and visualization: You can learn ways to calm your fear when you’re in a situation that usually scares you.
• Medical treatment: If therapy isn't enough, your doctor can prescribe anxiety to help you deal with the situations that cause your fear.