Anxiety on Modes of Transport

[NervyBee]

Looking for advice/anyone who has been through this.

I am growing increasingly anxious getting the bus, trains, the tube makes me break out in a sweat, planes make me unwell.

I'm okay driving my car. I think it's because I'm in control.

My anxieties include:

The bus: the driver crashing. A car crashing into the bus. Being trapped and unable to escape if its busy.

Trains: I worry about terrorism on trains like the eurostar. Also the train being derailed or a crash.

The tube: main worry is terrorism, but also a fire or crash, and being trapped underground in darkness, unable to escape.

Planes: terrorism and crashing. I'm always looking to see if they've remembered to lock the cockpit door (I know this sounds ridiculous). I worry about something happening to the plane and being trapped inside unable to escape. Or someone taking over the plane and knowing I'm going to die and can only wait.

Can I just say I'm absolutely aware how silly this sounds and how small the chances are? My rational brain KNOWS. But in the moment, my mind is racing and I sweat buckets. 😓

You've identified the issue- lack of control. Anxiety is rarely based in fact as I am sure you know, because based on numbers and probability you are much more likely to be injired or killed in a car accidrnt that be injured or killed on public transport in the UK. All of these modes of transport have well trained staff , serious safety regulations, regular and well complied with safety regimes etc..

Thanks for your reply @Ginmonkeyagain

I think another fear is the fear of becoming trapped.

Yes, statistically you are so much safer on public transport than in your own car!

I get it. I have mild claustrophobia so am not keen on the tube or the Eurotunnel. But I live in London and enjot going to France so I just swallow the demons and crack on.

I find being by a window or door helps and also distractions, when we go through the channel tunnel I tend to get up and walk up the train, go to the buffet car and get a hot drink. A small alcoholic drink also helps if it is appropriate.