Fear of Escalators
Want to learn more about Fear of Escalators? Discuss and find out how to overcome your the phobia through different treatment options and examples.
Sports stadiums, malls, department stores and airports have them, yet many consumers will not use these common transportation devices. Escalators have become an object of fear and that fear is sometimes known as Escalaphobia although this is not an official designation.
This phobia may be more common than you realize. The line at the elevator and the number of individuals walking down the stairs may be an indicator or the prevalence of this fear.
The Underlying Fear of Escalators
The major source of fear among Escalaphobes may have to do with a more common fear of heights. Many individuals who have a fear of escalators will also say they have very few problems going up an escalator, but they freeze up when it comes to going down. It may well be the height and fear of falling that converge to make this a difficult fear to overcome.
The second primary fear inducer may have its roots in a traumatic childhood experience involving an escalator, or stories that may have been told about an escalator. Many who fear this object of convenience will recall stories of how children got their shoelaces caught in the escalator and were either injured or pulled into the escalator. While there is little in the way of support for this idea (in most cases) it seems to be a common story that provided the initial and growing fear experienced by Escalaphobes.
Fear Symptoms Associated with the Escalator
An individual who fears an escalator may not actually have a problem visiting a mall, airport or other location that may have an escalator as long as there are alternatives to going up or down floors. This may seem surprising to some, but the primary fear is the escalator. If the individual knows they do not have to use it they are typically able to function normally. 
More severe symptoms may include…
- Nausea
- Increased heart rate
- Panic attacks
- Visible trembling
- Crying or screaming if forced to try
Overcoming Your Fear of Escalators
It may interest you to know that sometimes the fear you experience may be caused by a lack of depth perception. Sometimes individuals who experience this fear can find the courage to try if they can hold the hand of a trusted friend while riding the escalator. Others have experienced success by having a friend directly in front and other directly behind them while riding the escalator. This allows the individual to feel secure while blocking a view that may enhance the fear. A visit with your eye care professional can also assist in improving your depth perception.
It can also be a help to those who fear escalators to hold onto the railing and look straightforward while ascending or descending.
Additionally many experts recommend that consumers not wear Croc type footwear while using the escalator as they can occasionally become entangled.
We have included a video that deals with some of the typical scenarios associated with this type of phobia. This could potentially be a bit frightening for some, but we promise it does end happily and with one individual who found reason enough to ride the escalator.
Fear of Elevators Video
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When I was a little child, I didn’t fear escalators at all. But now I can’t even think of going on one without my stomach churning and my heart beating a mile a minute. My sibilings begrudge my having to use the elevator, either because they have to go too when they LIKE escalators(!?), or they have to wait for me on the next floor. I don’t mind being near one, or even watching people ride them, but every time I attempt to do so myself, I cannot. I fear that i’ll put one leg on and I won’t be able to get the other one on and it will rip my leg off. I am aware that it is irrational, but that doesn’t change anything. I hope that all of you will overcome your fears, and I mine. =D
Im scared of going UP escalaters only. i have no problem going down and looking down looking over the edge. as long as im going down i have no problem. but going up is terrible! my heart starts beating i start sweating and its really scary and i have no idea why! i would rather have the escalator break down and stop moving and i walk up them. that would be no problem at all.
I don’t believe the riding tall escalators thing works I was forced in front of my cousins, aunts, and siblings to ride the (potentially) biggest escalator ever, at Disneyland in Anaheim. I nearly died. It was easier when i was young and family made me stand on their shoes and step on w/ them, but the older you get the more embarrassing it gets and I am planning a trip to Disneyland with my boyfriend. All I could think was would he understand if I told him that I can’t ride the escalator. I know deep down he wouldn’t object to taking the elevator, but this is still something I wish I could get over. I can only go to one mall near my house, because it’s the only one I am sure of has stairs. Unless I go shopping by myself, it’s embarrassing to ask to take the elevator with other people. Then try to explain the importance. I know every mall has escalators. I thank god everyday that its practically mandatory for elevators. If not I would never get to the second floor of anything.
I am terrified of going up on those hideous cheese graters of death. But for some reson I don’t mind going down?!! Which is kind of wierd since everyone hates going down instead. As a child when ever we went to the shopping centre I begged my mum to go on the ‘moving steps’ but now I can’t even look at one without getting all sweaty and revolting. But I did find it helped a lot to go on a giant one. I went to Prague and the size of the ones over there is…… Urgh awful. But for a while it cured me you’ve just got to go on them every now and then and it should cure you!!!
YAY!!!!!!!