By: Alex Gordon, M.A.
Anyone who lives in an upper-floor apartment, works in an office in a high-rise building, or takes an elevator regularly in any other setting can relate to the elevator experience.
Elevators can be uncomfortable, especially when an elevator is running like a local subway line, stopping on every floor, and people seem to think the walls expand as they continue to squeeze in. Even those who do not consider themselves claustrophobic may experience a degree of physical discomfort in these situations. All kinds of thoughts may be responsible for the accompanying annoyance. “They shouldn’t push into the elevator like this. I can’t take this. This is terrible.” In actuality, people have free choice and can choose to squeeze in. You will, in all likelihood, survive what is probably a 10 or 15 second ride to your destination floor. And relatively speaking, being stuck for such a short time in a packed elevator may be uncomfortable, but it’s not a catastrophe.
Elevators can be frustrating. Ever been waiting for that elevator that just doesn’t seem to arrive? Contrary to popular belief, pressing the up button an extra few times will not make it come faster. What is seconds or minutes of waiting can seem like hours. Someone may even kick the elevator door. What thoughts may contribute to the anxiety or anger in this situation? “My time is important. I cannot be late. I can’t stand waiting like this.” It is not fun to be late or get delayed, but it is certainly not the end of the world. It’s simply frustrating.
Elevators can be scary for some. Confinement to a closed space, the potential for a mechanical failure, and sensitivity to an elevator’s movement may all induce fear or physiological fear reactions. A good way to overcome this fear might be to challenge yourself to ride the elevator when the stairs serve as a tempting way to avoid the fear. Remind yourself that there is a low probability of a breakdown and inability to escape, and that even if that were to occur, it may be concerning, but again, not catastrophic.
Elevators can be awkward. I sometimes find myself wishing no one else will be on there so I have the elevator to myself. There’s something about that silence, and people avoiding eye contact or glued to their phones that gets to me. Sometimes there’s a quick “Hello” or a smile, but then the silence and eye-contact avoidance ensues. It’s even worse if you are going to the same floor as the other(s). In light of the thoughts described above in uncomfortable, frustrating, or scary elevators situations, next time you’re on an elevator try to consider what thoughts you might be having that lead to discomfort. Are you the only one having these thoughts? How might you change them?
