Comments on: Fear of Bridges Phobia – Gephyrophobia

By: Casey

Casey

I ™ve had this reoccurring nightmare for many years about being on a bridge that turns into a rollercoaster to find I am not strapped in. The end of this nightmare evolves more and more each time I dream it. Today, at 33 years old, I had a panic attack driving over one of the same four bridges I ™ve driven over for 17 years. I live on the Outer Banks of NC. There are many bridges here. I was so scared; I had sweaty palms, a dry mouth, and dizziness. I thought I was going to have a heart attack or pass out. Mid-bridge! I had to pull over multiple times to gain enough courage to pass the next one. Even while on land (in between bridges), I could only fear the next one coming up. I think it is worse for me on a 2-lane than a 4-lane and bridges with hardly any side rails. I am a tough woman, but I cried. I never cry. This is a first for me. I ™ve always been sketchy about bridges because they are man-made, but I ™ve never experienced it like today. I am so sorry to learn that so many others go through this. I wouldn ™t wish it on anyone because it’s a bad feeling.

By: Iona

Iona

In reply to Melissa. This is me!

By: Tammy upton

Tammy upton

In reply to Dorcas Gray. I was really bad in childhood. I overcome it, but I still get butterflies in my stomach. Sometimes I can't move, but I force myself. Tunnels too. My dad's driving drunk and speeding caused mine. I grew up on the Mississippi Des Moines rivers.

By: Erica

Erica

In reply to Olivia. I ™m taking medication as well. I hate that I have to go through the bridge to get to work. I always cry and am scared. Please help.

By: Rafe

Rafe

In reply to HeightsWuss. I recently had to travel to TX for business, and as ya ™ll know, leaving DFW airport, you have to go over several high overpasses. Not having much choice, I just did it again and again until I finally was able to hold a hands-free phone conversation while running up the overpass and down the other side. My anxiety is getting less and less. Just last week, I ran over the skyway bridge in FL. No problem either way. I started looking around and talking, which helped, additionally looking down at the dash to break the straightforward stare. Never ever look up; that will just make things worse. Good luck to ya ™ll. It ™s a crappy feeling and makes you feel weak.

By: Vallaree Spires

Vallaree Spires

I am extremely terrified of bridges! I have to take Xanax before I leave home, or I know I will die. My heart races, thoughts go wild, and I tremble and scream in the car when I ™m alone!

My mom (rest her soul) refused to ride with me back to her house after we crossed four very large bridges. She said I scared her by talking to myself, saying that everything would be ok every 10-20 seconds, and remember to breathe at other times!

By: Nicole

Nicole

I have a debilitating fear of driving over high passes, and I feel like I have a heart attack. I want to pull over, but know I can’t because I will be stuck there even longer. Does anyone have any tips/advice at all – anything that has helped you?

By: glen a granger

glen a granger

In reply to Sandy. I have the same problem, it gets worse with age. I got stuck on a bridge today for about 20 minutes and almost passed out several times. I am still shaking. Glen

By: close the gap

close the gap

In reply to A student chef. So horrible! I can't imagine what that had to be like. Your story hurt my heart for you and filled me with anger towards who abused you. I hope you didn't have to endure it for long.

By: close the gap

close the gap

In reply to arnold tropper. Did you ever get that list? I too would love it, I hate bridges! Hate this problem too but it seems I can't help it. It embarrasses me but not to the point where I can ignore it. The fear adds so much time in travels but it is what it is. I will never get to visit the FL keys because of this fear!