Scared of getting on trains and stepping over the gap

[FairViewRosie25]

Scared of getting on trains. Frightened of stepping over the gap.

You must “mind the gap!!”

It's about 4 inches? You've probably stepped over bigger kerbs.

And?

So am I, FairView. It has been a real problem at times.

Was there more to your post? Are you asking for ways to get over it? Or just giving us information. Go to stations where the gap is only minimal.

Could you perhaps request Passenger Assistance and use the ramp?

OMG I hated this, too.

So I moved to a part of Scotland which isn't anywhere near any railway stations.
🤣

A lot of people get like this after injury/illness. Even some very fit people, after a knee op, struggle a lot. It is worth asking a physio about strengthening exercises and techniques. So many people take it for granted, having no issues with things like this, until they're in that situation-and most of us will be , one day.

Just get to the step and then freeze

Last train trip I booked passenger assistance but it embarrassed my husband so I said I would do this next one down to London as long as we didn’t use the underground

I’ve suffered this, not on its own but as part of wider anxiety disorder - had to cling to walls on station platforms. Couldn’t ride escalators. Couldn’t cross foot bridges. Many other things. Couldn’t drive. I didn’t fit neatly into a box but it was a bit PTSD, a bit agoraphobia. Got fluoxetine in the end as was still suffering post baby, they called it PND and the drugs sorted me right out. Haven’t looked back 11 years later.

Your husband needs to be more caring. Anxiety isn’t logical. Would holding his hand and closing your eyes / not looking down help?

I have used passenger assistance bur feel a fraud because I am a 60 something normal person with no disabilities except from the one in my mind

No solution to offer I’m afraid OP, but just to say I know that feeling of freezing and offer solidarity. It’s so difficult. My problem is escalators (especially going down; I can just about go up one). I am fortunate to not be confronted with them very often, as when I am I always have to seek an alternative. I simply cannot put my foot on that first step. Can you have someone trusted with you to go into the train ahead of you and take your hands to help you over the gap?

Yes I am with you. Can’t go near the edges of platforms cringe at anyone who goes beyond the line

If you are travelling with your husband get him to go first and then put his hand out to help you across.

The helpful Mind The Gap man no longer announces it. Maybe that helped people in the past?

FWIW in Poland several of the trains had little sub-steps that automatically folded out to bridge the gap below the step, so that was nice.

Please don’t ever feel awkward about asking for passenger assistance.

Our guards on my commuting train are lovely and I’m sure they would not hesitate to help you on and off.

It doesn’t stop me doing it and I am fully fit and well so it’s not a physical thing but I do have to take a breath and step over quickly and deliberately with foot going solidly onto the train not heel off.

Sometimes it's so big you have to take a jump. Often with trains coming into Victoria. I can't believe that actually happens in this day and age.

And yes to standing well back, I hate it if anyone goes over the yellow line while a train is moving.

I used to have a repetitive nightmare about this as a small child. I'd fall through the gap and be on the rails, then I'd hear the engine start and wake up screaming.

Underground has hardly any gap. It’s functional for wheelchair users so maybe an inch or two max. Except for Bank maybe. Certainly not like the huge ones that seem to be acceptable at railway stations.

Can’t do escalators full stop. Yes I will have my husband with me and have now got a cross body bag so will have both hands free to grab him and the hand rail. Used to be fine my dad was a railway employee so when I was younger we had free travel and I used to go all over by myself

I’m the exact same. And I absolutely hate when it’s rush hour and it’s standing room only where you have to push in to get on. But I take a deep breathe and do it. Just freaks me out a bit.