Help me with my Tube fears! What routes shall I try?

[Chocalata]

Hi Mumsnetters! I am so ashamed of my Tube claustrophobia and panic, I can’t really talk to friends about it. I need to spend some time in London for work and I am going to spend a day in advance trying to get myself used to being on the Tube again after 4 years. Which routes would you start with that wouldn’t be too scary? And which ones should I avoid as too much too soon? I am going to spend the whole day practising so any advice really welcome! Thank you.

@Firesidefox

I would tell your colleagues. I once had a panic attack just before I did a big presentation and told my deputy and she was LOVELY to me and it really, really helped.

So many people get panic attacks, so many, and if they don't, they will know someone who does, so just say it and you will feel so much better. Fears aired become instantly less scary.

Yes absolutely this. One of my biggest issues with my anxiety/panic is feeling embarrassed. Often this brings on the feeling, as I'm looking around wondering what people must think of me?! Now I'm as open and honest as I can be, which takes away that worry.

OP - Westminster is a deep station, yes - and it also gets very, very busy at times, plus the platforms are enclosed with a plastic shield between the edge and the tube carriages.

I would avoid Northern and Victoria lines due to the noise that some trains make.

Well done on doing so well already. I also have tube phobia and have been working on it in therapy - it's quite hard to overcome when so much of living in London is reliant on you using the tube.

I take something to ground me now (Cold water, a snapable ice pack or squeezey ball) if I have to take it - and I do avoid busy times even if that means me sitting in a park for a little while.

I've started to enjoy the Overground though slightly disappointed that it no longer has its cannabis stench.... I used to pretend I was getting stoned by association when riding it - now it's not so much fun (though there was a man smoking crack on it last week).

The circle and district lines are your friends. Mostly above ground, lovely long spacious carriages. Air con.

Good luck, it’s not easy what you are trying to do.

Same here, I rarely use the tube due to claustrophobia. Switched to buses, trains and Uber unless it's not rush hour - which seems to be permanent now anyway.

I found this very useful, as I'm fine outside of tunnels: content.tfl.gov.uk/tube-map-with-tunnels.pdf

Good luck!

@destiEos

Same here, I rarely use the tube due to claustrophobia. Switched to buses, trains and Uber unless it's not rush hour - which seems to be permanent now anyway.

I found this very useful, as I'm fine outside of tunnels: content.tfl.gov.uk/tube-map-with-tunnels.pdf

Good luck!

Oh that's really handy, thanks for sharing!

@LapinR0se well done for facing your fears! Where did you have therapy? I'm currently really struggling with my tube phobia and need to find a good therapist. Thank you!

Hi @Natka23 i had therapy via the Capio Nightingale in London

@LapinR0se and how did it go? What sort of therapy was it? I had EMDR for 12 sessions but it's not working :(

It was CBT with gradual exposure. I also took beta blockers

District line can be quite quiet at times.

My favourite is the overground. It's quick but still stops at some underground stations.

If I was you I would get on where it starts or terminates, so that you can fine a nice seat. Put your headphones on and zone out.

There is also a charging port on the overground.

Avoid rush hour, but if I'm honest once your seated you can barely notice it. I would sit in the front or back carriage next to the drivers door. Less people to get up and down next to you as only one seat will be free.

The overground is more expensive though, but that could also mean less people.

Thanks for your reply. Did you therapist go on the tube with you?

Yes she did get on the tube with me first time. Next time she came a few stops then I had to go two more, get off and wait for her to come on the next tube. Time after that, I had to do a little journey completely alone etc.

Sounds like a fabulous therapist !!! That gives me hope! Thanks for sharing.

Very welcome, best of luck with it