Hello All! Just joined the community ;)

[issy]

Hi Issy

It is not as uncommon as you may think. People who suffer from panic disorder often experience this as it is to do with escape. An association has been made by us to fear what we can not escape from through our panic attacks and forms of transport are high on that list! After all, we can't control where the plane or train or bus stops can we! The only way to beat it is through exposure. Bit by bit.

Frankie you know what that makes so much sense, never thought of it that way before. It's just crazy how everything escalates from one fear to the next. For example I always had a mild fear of spiders for as long as I can remember and when all my other fears came that fear became 100 times worse. I have to try and stop my mind sometimes from worrying about other things as I fear it will just become another one of my fears.. if that makes sense. It's true the only way to beat it is through exposure.
One thing I have found that has helped me a bit by going on some buses outside of London and some cars is a 'life hammer' it can break through really thick windows and just gives me that extra bit of security in my mind.

[issy]

Hi Em1 and Cullingford. Nice to meet you both, thanks for the welcome

[issy]

it's been handy having it but I remember one time I forgot it and freaked out as felt I didn't have the bit of security.. I guess we can come a little too reliant on things! Would love to pop over to visit Ireland one day, just the problem of getting there...lol

[Isabelleva]

Hi Issy It is not as uncommon as you may think. People who suffer from panic disorder often experience this as it is to do with escape. An association has been made by us to fear what we can not escape from through our panic attacks and forms of transport are high on that list! After all, we can't control where the plane or train or bus stops can we! The only way to beat it is through exposure. Bit by bit.

:O that does make sense...I always feel less panicky when I know of an escape route. E.g. I can go into places if I know where the key is, or a doors left open or I know the exit route. I always panic when driving and lost and I don't know the route home...! So it sort of links up in a way, I can't bare the idea of being stuck or lost lol. And for me relationships were always hard when I felt trapped and claustrophobic...I always thought it was commitment but maybe it's link to fear of no escape. That's why I've always loved riding I guess, horses being flight animals and it always gives the feeling of being 'free' all adding up for me now lol.

[Isabelleva]

Hi Isabelle! I must say I like your name! lol. Oh wow you're in London too? I totally know what you mean it's so hard to get anywhere in London without the use of public transport. When I first moved to London I was fine with tubes, but my fears starting to manifest when I used to travel down to wales on the train and pass under the river severn, as first I didn't know it was an underwater tunnel until my brother told me one day.. so I started to avoid that route and take another and then I started to hate tunnels in general and trains, etc etc. After that I stopped using tubes in London which meant longer bus journeys, and just used the bus to get everywhere, but the bus had to be pretty empty otherwise I wouldn't get on due to crowds. Then after finishing Uni everything just got worse and worse and that's where I am today. Sorry to hear your struggles and everyone else that expresses on here, as you said at least we are all together in this, we are not alone although that's what I used to believe until I signed up here . If you ever need to talk try me

I am indeed, born and bred too! So you'd think I would be used to it by now lol. I'm in North London though so it's much greener and not quite as crowded where did you move from? I can't say I've ever travelled to Wales by train...only ever driven and it's a long drive lol :/ I just always focus on moving towards the light and I tend to count in my head, and then next time I know roughly how long it will take so it makes it easier to pass through the tunnels

[issy]

I am indeed, born and bred too! So you'd think I would be used to it by now lol. I'm in North London though so it's much greener and not quite as crowded where did you move from? I can't say I've ever travelled to Wales by train...only ever driven and it's a long drive lol :/ I just always focus on moving towards the light and I tend to count in my head, and then next time I know roughly how long it will take so it makes it easier to pass through the tunnels

Cool a Londoner born and bred Never venture to North London much apart from Camden/regents park. I always heard it was a lot greener on the other side of the fence I'm close to white city. I think in a strange way the hustle and bustle of London hasn't helped my nerves, always so so busy... but in another way I like the busyness as it makes me feel less alone at times. I'm originally from West Wales (country bumpkin I know) lol and always knew I wanted to live in London. It was a change coming from a town of 12,000 to a population of millions! but that was the excitement for me, and shops were actually open on a Sunday!! haha. Do you find living in London can add to your fears too?

[sarah37]

Hi issy! I too just joined but haven't made an intro. yet...still browsing around. Welcome!