I've been feeling bad in elevators and in small windowless rooms for years. It's not that I'm literally suffocating, but I get this horrible feeling of being trapped. Does this have a name or does it happen to other people too? Should I see a psychologist about this or is it just a quirk?
What you're describing sounds like claustrophobia, and the reality is it's pretty common. That feeling of being trapped with no way out is the core of the fear - it has nothing to do with whether there's enough air or not. Most people experience something like it to some degree, so you're not alone in this.
As for whether you should see a therapist, I'd say it depends on how much it limits you day-to-day. If you're avoiding elevators or enclosed spaces and that's making your life difficult, or if it's generating anxiety that's hard for you to manage, then yeah, it's worth talking to someone. It's not a whim; phobias are real and they respond well to treatment. There are techniques that work pretty well for this, from gradual exposure to cognitive behavioral therapy.
Day-to-day, simple things like controlled breathing or finding a focal point in the room (a window, a plant, something to focus your attention on) can help you feel less trapped. But if it's been a significant problem for years, it's probably worth investing in professional help.
What you're describing is claustrophobia and it happens to tons of people - it's not a whim or anything unusual. That feeling of being trapped you mentioned is exactly what defines this phobia, and the good news is there are effective ways to work through it with a psychologist if it's really limiting your life (like avoiding elevators or certain places). If it just bugs you a bit but you manage it fine, maybe it's not urgent, but if it triggers real anxiety when you're in those situations, it's worth getting a consultation to learn techniques that actually work.
Log into answer.
