Subway/train fear

[MollyM94]

hi all,
I’m having anxiety about the subway breaking down while I’m in it. Not able to get off. Having a heart attack or other health issue. Not being able to get help. Stuck there panicking.

Thanks

 

[Kaynil]

Hi, Molly.

Are you able to pinpoint what could be the origin of your mind going crazy with this kind of thoughts? For example something on the news, something happening near you, reaching a certain realisation. Maybe exploring this can help you calm down your thoughts. At the very least knowing to read them between the lines to find what is the common fear causing them so you can target that rather than each individual thought.

If there is anything simple that can make you feel slightly less afraid do it, but at the same time try not to let your fears make you unable to enjoy the right now. For example, When on the bus, I stopped sitting next to the front glass and away from the very last row, as those seats would raise my anxiety a lot. I also added a card in my wallet with ICE contact, type of blood and my general doctor since I didn't have an ID that covered those details.

In general, your mind is making up threatening scenarios that are robbing you from enjoying the present moment, so you will have to rear your conscious thoughts away from the what-ifs and into the present. Keep repeating to yourself that right now nothing is happening, that you're fine, that the vehicle you are on, or the building or any surrounding is fine. Imagine that you're looking at yourself from outside, and see that you are just sitting, standing, etc and nothing is really going on. Your brain is stressing but nothing is happening. Try to shift it to "we'll cross that bridge IF we get to it".

I hope this can be of help for you.

 

[janemariesayed]

hi all,
I’m having anxiety about the subway breaking down while I’m in it. Not able to get off. Having a heart attack or other health issue. Not being able to get help. Stuck there panicking.

Thanks

This fear could easily have been brought about by watching a film on television. Something you have seen previously has made you afraid of it. Maybe something you have read or heard about but something has triggered this anxiety.

Try to think a little more positive and tell yourself that any journey you go on you will be safe.

 

[I like pie]

I know this doesn't get to the root of the problem, but might help:
I downloaded an episode of "The Anxiety Podcast" It is episode 195 "Use In Case of Panic Attack"
He just kind of talks you through some steps to become calmer. It helps to have it on your phone or ipod.