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RV-Dreams.com Home -> RV-Dreams Community Forum -> Researching RV Living -> Dealing with mild claustrophobia
Post Info TOPIC: Dealing with mild claustrophobia
Camper Chronicles


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Dealing with mild claustrophobia
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As I've mentioned in other thread I struggle a bit with claustrophobia but am finding it manageable so wanted to share some tips on how to make it easier plus see if others have the same issue.  It can be a show stopper for some people and make others incredibly uncomfortable so worth a thread I think. Here's what I have learned so far.

 

  1. It's all about the rig you buy.  Walk in them, sit in theM.  Do you feel the tightness in your chest, move on and find an RV where your don't feel that way.
  2. Low ceiling height is my trigger for others it may be other factors.  Understand what sets you off and try for an interior that minimizes those factors.  Be honest with yourself upfront about what you can and cannot do
  3. Don't forget the bathroom.  Make sure you can handle the size of yours as you will be spending time in there :). I stood in the shower in the selection process to make sure I could handle it.  
  4. Windows and skylights are your friend.  The illusion of openness is sometimes all you need
  5. Recognize two people (or more) in a small place can make that place uncomfortable and talk to you travel partner about it.  Sometimes they need to give you space and Lee knows when I say please move I mean it :)
  6. Plan on treating your outside as an extension of your space.  I walk outside a lot even in the rain I am setup to have a small area that is rain free.  Claustrophobia can be cumulative so the outside breaks reset the clock so to speak.
  7. Pay attention to air flow.  Humidity and stillness can make that closed in feeling worse.  Fans and AC really help.
  8. No clutter, no clutter, no clutter.  Less is more and maximizes the space you have

For or me it's definitely been doable but I have to pay attention to the little things so I am comfortable in my space.  

Anyone else have any helpful tips?



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The Bear II


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I've had very few dealings with people who suffer from claustrophobia so it was interesting to read your tips.

There have been times when I have been working in tight spaces where the urge popped up that I needed to get out but I worked through the urge so I could get the job done. The relief once I got out of the tight space was a great feeling.

Who knows maybe spending lots of time in the RV and using these tips will help you to overcome the feelings of claustrophobia once and for all.  

Our RV motto is "Small House, Big Yard"



-- Edited by The Bear II on Tuesday 15th of July 2014 08:29:40 AM

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Terry and Jo


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Wow, Trace.  Since I've never sensed such a feeling, those are fascinating tips to remember in the event one is around others with the problem and would then know how to help them out.  Good job with letting us know these tips.

Thanks for sharing.

Terry



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Trabuco


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My DW is claustrophobic and the most important thing to her is air flow. Still air for her doesn't work. She needs to sleep with our bedroom door open. She leaves the shower door cracked just a bit just in case she needs a quick exit, although she never has.

The floor plan in our MH has 6 large floor to ceiling windows that allow the outdoors in so to speak. She picked the floor plan.

Spending the night with the slides in, like at Wally World will not work for her.

But in the 2 1/2 years in the MH she has done real well no issues to speak of..

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SnowGypsy


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Trace: I think you have it covered. The only thing I would add would be that one needs to be honest with themselves about the situation and not think they just get used to the tight space because if that doesn't happen, the person won't be a happy camper. It can be really bad when you are inside and it is raining and dark outside for days. One can distract themselves to some degree by keeping busy with doing crafts or something more involved than TV or computer stuff.

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Jo and Ben


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I would add that openness and sunlight make a big difference. We are parked in a very wooded campground and the forest comes right up to our doorstep. At first, this seemed very tranquil an appealing, but now we are finding that it feels too dark and enclosed. The woods here is very dense and we don't get enough light coming in even when the sun is shining, so although I am not claustrophobic it does feel too enclosed!

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Camper Chronicles


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Jo and Ben wrote:

I would add that openness and sunlight make a big difference. We are parked in a very wooded campground and the forest comes right up to our doorstep. At first, this seemed very tranquil an appealing, but now we are finding that it feels too dark and enclosed. The woods here is very dense and we don't get enough light coming in even when the sun is shining, so although I am not claustrophobic it does feel too enclosed!

 That is a great point Jo.  I preferred heavily wooded sites for the serenity over a weekend, but it's quite a different story when your staying a week or more.  



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