IGX

baffled wrote:Xanax.

If that doesn't work, I've done a lot of stuff with visualization that's helped. I absolutely hate heights, but I've learned to appreciate the rush of adrenaline that comes with feeling like I'll shit my pants and pass out in a puddle.

You're not going to die up there, and if you do, you probably won't feel it, so chill.

Thud wrote:Don't look down.

Dr. Agkistrodon wrote:I'm not joking, I can literally think about being way up on one if those rigs, washing windows on a tall building, and make myself faint.

syaigh wrote:Yeah, stay away from the windows. You'll get used to it, but I still get vertigo from it sometimes when its unexpected.

Pinky wrote:

Dr. Agkistrodon wrote:I'm not joking, I can literally think about being way up on one if those rigs, washing windows on a tall building, and make myself faint.

It doesn't sound like they're going to ask you to get in one of those rigs, so don't think about that.

Also, don't watch this video:
[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7k4Xk1mEwmI[/youtube]

Dr. Agkistrodon wrote:

baffled wrote:Xanax.

If that doesn't work, I've done a lot of stuff with visualization that's helped. I absolutely hate heights, but I've learned to appreciate the rush of adrenaline that comes with feeling like I'll shit my pants and pass out in a puddle.

You're not going to die up there, and if you do, you probably won't feel it, so chill.

Not only do I appreciate the advice, I also appreciate the humor.

I have been doing visualization, too. And re-programming my brain as it were, wherein I take the elevator where I work now to the forth floor, walk around and imagine I'm actually in a skyscraper on the hundredth floor, making note of the fact that unless I intentionally look out a window, it doesn't feel any different than being on the ground. An yes, when I do that, I get a small rush but it goes away.

Also, reassurance of not only safety, but also of a fast, relatively painless "it'll be over before you know what happened" death if something horrible did happen makes it a lot easier.

baffled wrote:

Dr. Agkistrodon wrote:

baffled wrote:Xanax.

If that doesn't work, I've done a lot of stuff with visualization that's helped. I absolutely hate heights, but I've learned to appreciate the rush of adrenaline that comes with feeling like I'll shit my pants and pass out in a puddle.

You're not going to die up there, and if you do, you probably won't feel it, so chill.

Not only do I appreciate the advice, I also appreciate the humor.

I have been doing visualization, too. And re-programming my brain as it were, wherein I take the elevator where I work now to the forth floor, walk around and imagine I'm actually in a skyscraper on the hundredth floor, making note of the fact that unless I intentionally look out a window, it doesn't feel any different than being on the ground. An yes, when I do that, I get a small rush but it goes away.

Also, reassurance of not only safety, but also of a fast, relatively painless "it'll be over before you know what happened" death if something horrible did happen makes it a lot easier.

You'll get used to it.

I largely got over my fear of heights by doing two things. One time, while in Canada, I took a climb up the side of a canyon. It was really nothing, and not worthy of describing given the climbers on this board, but when I realized I had to get down, I was scared shitless. Going up was fine.

By the time I got down, I was a lot more comfortable with heights.

The second was cliff diving (okay, jumping). I don't recommend this, especially if you're taking off in an uncharted area, where you're not sure what's under the surface.

I'm still not a fan, but the stuff I mentioned above, as well as a couple past experiences, have helped me to tame it a bit.

Dr. Agkistrodon wrote: I'm gonna watch it every day until I can watch it and stay calm, and afterwards I'm going to say a prayer thanking The Good Lord that that's NOT my job.

nafod wrote:

Dr. Agkistrodon wrote: I'm gonna watch it every day until I can watch it and stay calm, and afterwards I'm going to say a prayer thanking The Good Lord that that's NOT my job.

Good luck with that. I've got thousands of hours of flying and tons of rock climbing well into the death zone, and that video never fails to pucker me up. Oddly enough, seeing him wearing gloves adds to the freak. I'd want skin on holds the whole way. That plus the head movements and wide angle shot...all time best freakout video.

nafod wrote:

Dr. Agkistrodon wrote: I'm gonna watch it every day until I can watch it and stay calm, and afterwards I'm going to say a prayer thanking The Good Lord that that's NOT my job.

Good luck with that. I've got thousands of hours of flying and tons of rock climbing well into the death zone, and that video never fails to pucker me up. Oddly enough, seeing him wearing gloves adds to the freak. I'd want skin on holds the whole way. That plus the head movements and wide angle shot...all time best freakout video.

Dunn wrote:OR you can come down here and we can take the boat out. I know some primo spots for cliff diving into the river.

Dunn wrote:Visualization is a plus. Watching vids like these can help desensitize you. I would say that those two plus getting out and pushing your comfort zone a bit will be the best thing for you. I had a big problem when I was younger with claustrophobia. Elevators were hell for me. Only thing that cured it was repeated exposure and strict breath control. Now I am certified for confined space rescue. Lol

OR you can come down here and we can take the boat out. I know some primo spots for cliff diving into the river. I can cure you in one day and you will get good food, fishing, and beer...all for free. I will even print you up a frame worthy certification for you.

Strict window avoidance is definitely going to be adhered to.

tough old man wrote:

Strict window avoidance is definitely going to be adhered to.