Claustrophobia - fear of compact places

I guess some people are worse than others. I'm not claustrophobic, but I can feel like that if I am in an uncomfortable situation, for example a crowded room where there is nowhere to move or sit. I don't think anyone likes them, but it bothers some people less. When it happens I just make the best of the situation, but find a reason to leave if I can, or avoid it. I like space, but sometimes you have to just put up with it, for example a crowded bus station. You have no choice if you want to get a bus home.


Recently I was in a store with a big sale and the queue was long and shop packed, but I knew I had to wait as those prices would never come up again. I was so relieved when I made it out of the store though.

Funnily enough claustrophobia isn't as bad for me when I'm near other people since at least I have someone to count on in case something bad happens, but if I'm ever stuck in a tight space without anybody around my mind starts going a thousand thoughts per minute, I usually end up hyperventilating although in the last few years I haven't been affected by it too much. Talking with people around you definitely helps.

I have claustrophobia but not as extreme as just being in a packed car. My claustrophobia is triggered when I can't move my arms or legs at all. 


I think it started to happen to me when my sister rolled me like a taco inside of a thick blanket and left me there for a good while. I was small and weak so I couldn't move and I couldn't breathe. I then started crying out and begging for her to let me out and after that day, I had nightmares of being trapped in very tight spaces. 


I now work as a landscaper and whenever I'm in a tight spot like that, I close my eyes and breathe slowly and I sometimes pretend a pretty girl or a loved one is hugging me. It helps a lot.