Fear of Elevators/Lifts: A Handbook for Dealing With and Overcoming It

Lifts are now an integral part of modern living, mainly in the metro cities where skyscrapers dominate. For most people, entering a lift is a routine and no big deal. 

But for those who are inflicted with a phobia or fear of lifts or elevator anxiety, it becomes a scary and stressful experience. In technical words, this is called “elevaphobia.” It’s a condition that may very well affect an individual’s everyday living at work, in their career, and most importantly, their well-being. 

If you suffer from elevatoe phobia or is looking to understand what another loved one goes through, then this article is for you. We will try to be as informative and practical as possible and bring out what works about elevator phobia management.

What is Elevator Phobia?

Elevator phobia, often called elevaphobia, is a severe and irrational dread of lifts. Such anxiety disorders have been accepted by professional psychologists as true psychological conditions. People suffering from elevator phobia become challenged with extreme anxiety or panic whenever they are in a situation to use an elevator. 

However, several underlying concerns could drive fear in elevator phobia: some may be fearful of being locked in a confined space, while others may be fearful of mechanical failure or the plunge one would experience in a free-fall situation. 

For yet others, the fear lies in being in an environment in which they have less control and do not trust technology.

There is a full range of elevator phobias. Those whose fears are merely debilitating would experience discomfort and unease in going up or getting into an elevator. However, those with a full-blown phobia would find their fear debilitating and life-altering. 

Symptoms and signs of fear of elevators 

This fear differs in the various ways it can be manifested physically, emotionally, or behaviorally. The ability to know the symptoms is very important for the person who fears elevators and those whom he comes into contact with. Some of the most common symptoms that are experienced in fear of elevators are discussed as follows:

Physical Symptoms

• Accelerated heartbeat or palpitations
• Sweating or becoming chilled
• Difficulty breathing or hyperventilation
• Trembling or shaking
• Feeling nauseous or having stomach upsets
• Dizziness or feeling lightheaded
• Pain or discomfort in the chest

Behavioural Symptoms

• Avoids places with elevators
• Decides to use stairs despite several floors
• Refuses a job in a tall building
• Complaints about scenes involving an elevator on film or television
• Additional routines on the avoidance of using elevators

The diversity of the symptoms ranges from different persons and may vary with different situations. Some people will just be mildly anxious, while others will panic at just the threat of stepping into an elevator.

Diagnosis of Elevator Phobia

Diagnosis of elevator phobia is usually done during a comprehensive assessment, which should be conducted by a mental health professional, like a psychologist or psychiatrist. Unlike other medical conditions, there is no specific medical test  for elevator phobia; but here are some medical facilities that are available: 

Clinical Interview

The professional will conduct a very specific interview to get a sense of the symptoms, their severity, and how they may be deemed to affect daily life. They will ask for the history of their fears, and hereditary features of anxiety disorders within the family.

Symptom Assessment

Symptom-based evaluation is done through standardised questionnaires or rating scales, which the they use to evaluate the intensity and frequency of the symptoms caused by phobia.

Differential Diagnosis

The doctor uses differential diagnosis to rule out other illnesses that may exhibit a similar pattern of symptoms, such as generalised anxiety disorder or panic disorder.

DSM-5 Criteria

Most diagnoses are based on DSM-5 criteria, which include intense or unreasonable dread or anxiety over a specific item or scenario (in this case, lifts). The dreaded item or scenario is always connected with a sudden onset of strong fear or anxiety. 

Overcoming the Fear of Elevators 

Overcoming elevator phobia may demand patience and commitment; here are some of the effective strategies and treatments commonly administered to facilitate overcoming an elevator phobia:

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT): One of the most successful therapies for specific phobias, such as lift phobia, is to uncover illogical views about lifts and demonstrate how they may be addressed by more balanced ways of thinking.

Exposure therapy: It is the core CBT technique used to treat phobias, which progresses slowly and according to a plan with exposure to the situation of fear-ridden activity, in this case, taking an elevator. It can be started by watching pictures of elevators and then moving progressively to standing beside an elevator and finally to riding it in one. 

Virtual Reality Therapy: This novel therapy involves virtual reality technology to simulate experiences in an elevator within a safer, controlled environment. Patients are allowed to confront their fears without feeling the desire to use a real elevator.

Relaxation Techniques: Learn or practice relaxation techniques like deep breathing, progressive muscle relaxation, or mindfulness meditation to help minimise anxiety symptoms associated with lift use.

Medication: In extreme circumstances when lift phobia becomes too severe, health experts may recommend that anti-anxiety or antidepressant medications be used in conjunction with therapy, usually as part of a comprehensive treatment plan.

Education and Knowledge: Information and education regarding elevator safety features, maintenance procedures, and the general infrequency of accidents may reduce ‘irrational’ fears.

Self-Help Groups: The act of joining a self-help group of people with similar specific phobias provides a sense of community and shared experiences and additional coping strategies. They find the support important.

Hypnotherapy: Some people find hypnotherapy to help in addressing the root cause of their fears and reprogram their response toward elevators.

How to Overcome the Fear of Elevators

Elevator phobia is best addressed by finding strategies to control one’s anxiety in scenarios where it will be used. Here are some effective tips on how to deal with fear of elevators:

Mindfulness. Do not allow your thoughts to venture off in worst-case scenarios: remember to be present, keep looking at the elevator doors as they open, or count the number of floors as a reminder.

Positive Self-Talk: You replace these negative thoughts with positive affirmations. You remind yourself of past successful elevator rides or the brevity of the experience.

Distractions: Focus on something that distracts you, such as listening to some music, playing a game on your mobile phone, or engaging a fellow passenger in conversation.

Peak Hour Avoidance: Where possible, visit during off-peak hours to minimise your exposure to crowds that may exacerbate your anxiety.

Stand beside the elevator door: The thought of standing beside the door of the elevator provides a sense of control in case one should need to exit quickly. It helps one to stay composed because one feels secure and prepared.

Learn about safety features:  If one knows that some elevator safety features include emergency brakes and supporting engines, then one reduces their fear. Knowing these features gives one a feeling of relying on them.

Gradual exposure: Gradually begin with short rides up lower floors and increase towards longer rides in higher floors. This way, with a confidence built over the passage of time, you will become comfortable.

Conclusion

Coping strategies are personal, and not everyone is the same; what may work for one person may not even work for another. Just try different techniques and see what works best for you.

Easier said than done, for sure, but elevator phobia can indeed be overcome. Most people have overcome this panic barrier and go about their lives without the burden of this phobia. 

The first steps to managing, then ultimately defeating, elevator anxiety are critical: understanding the nature of this fear, being aware of how to recognise its symptoms, and knowing that there are choices in treatment that will be effective for one’s situation. 

Always remember that asking for help does not make a person weak at all. Professional practitioners of mental health can help guide someone through developing a plan to treat their situation.