How to Overcome the Fear of Escalators

A fear of escalators is sometimes called "escalaphobia." The idea of entering an escalator can cause panic attacks, nausea, and increased heart rate in some people. Fearing escalators is classified as a "specific phobia" by mental health professionals which, by definition, means that it is an illogical fear. Finding relief for this fear requires seeking out medical attention.

Things You'll Need

• Doctor consultation
• Library card
• Workbooks on fear
• Mental health consultation

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Instructions

• 1

  First, rule out anything physical. Set up an appointment to check with your family doctor. Discuss if your fear of escalators could be caused by another physical symptom, such as having a lack of depth perception.

• 2

  Research materials that help you conquer fear on your own. Visit your local library or bookstore for self-help books related to "specific phobias" and "fear of escalators". A few examples of workbooks to help eliminate fear are "Mastery of Your Specific Phobia: Client Workbook" by Martin Antony and E.J. Bourne's "Overcoming specific phobia: A hierarchy and exposure-based protocol for the treatment of all specific phobias." Fill out these workbooks and follow the exercises provided.

• 3

  Find a mental health professional to assist you. If your fear is not based on something physical and you have had little success eliminating it on your own, look for help within the medical community. A mental health professional will likely use a type of cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) called systematic desensitization or exposure therapy. Visit www.freedomfromfear.org to find a referral for a counselor in your area.