Anybody here who's afraid of heights, and if so...

Kenny X · Post by **Kenny X** » Wed Apr 24, 2013 7:22 pm

...have you ever worked in a really tall building?

And if you have, how did you cope with it?

I just accepted an offer for a really great job. It's a big step-up for me career-wise, and it's awesome because I get the chance to do what I love doing IT-wise (Linux Administration and lots of Perl programming and NO monkeying around with unsupported, deprecated hardware); I'm really excited about it and I'm grateful for the opportunity.

And I'm also scared to death because I'll be working in a high-rise, on the 40th. floor or so, and heights scare the bejesus out of me. 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.

Any suggestions or helpful advice?

baffled · Post by **baffled** » Wed Apr 24, 2013 7:26 pm

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 · Post by **Thud** » Wed Apr 24, 2013 7:32 pm

Don't look down.

syaigh · Post by **syaigh** » Wed Apr 24, 2013 7:33 pm

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

Kenny X · Post by **Kenny X** » Wed Apr 24, 2013 7:33 pm

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.

Kenny X · Post by **Kenny X** » Wed Apr 24, 2013 7:34 pm

Thud wrote:Don't look down.

I love how appropos this response is, in relation to your username. Nicely played.

Pinky · Post by **Pinky** » Wed Apr 24, 2013 7:35 pm

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]

Kenny X · Post by **Kenny X** » Wed Apr 24, 2013 7:35 pm

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.

Strict window avoidance is definitely going to be adhered to.

Kenny X · Post by **Kenny X** » Wed Apr 24, 2013 7:40 pm

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]

At 1:26 seconds into that video my legs were shaking uncontrollably, I felt lightheaded and I legit peed a little.

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.

baffled · Post by **baffled** » Wed Apr 24, 2013 7:40 pm

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.

Kenny X · Post by **Kenny X** » Wed Apr 24, 2013 7:44 pm

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.

I think a visit to VA to see my folks and a hike up Old Rag mountain might be in order.

No way I'm EVER cliff diving.

nafod · Post by **nafod** » Wed Apr 24, 2013 7:52 pm

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.

Kenny X · Post by **Kenny X** » Wed Apr 24, 2013 7:57 pm

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.

I watched again and just when he's negotiating the little triangular shaped platform I almost completely lost my marbles.

I hate this god damn video so much. I need to rethink that strategy...

Cave Canem · Post by **Cave Canem** » Wed Apr 24, 2013 7:58 pm

Just a little warning....a lot of tall buildings sway a little bit in strong winds. Can make you feel like you're on a boat. I'm a New Yorker and 20 stories is the top of my comfort zone especially since 9/11.
Not to add fuel to the fire but you might find that when the elevator makes an unexpected stop, your fear of heights won't seem so bad.

Blaidd Drwg · Post by **Blaidd Drwg** » Wed Apr 24, 2013 8:00 pm

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.

For me the looking down is NBD...its when he looks up and out that gets me.

Also...what Cave said. Big tall buildings are built to bend and bounce. Anticipate it and it won't bug you as bad.

Holeyfraggaroley · Post by **Holeyfraggaroley** » Wed Apr 24, 2013 8:01 pm

Yeah I am not a big fan of heights either. I noticed that when I do look out windows if I look to the horizon and not straight down I do "ok". Just wait till there is an earthquake and you feel it sway under your feet. That will make you shit.

Dunn · Post by **Dunn** » Wed Apr 24, 2013 8:02 pm

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.

The man in black · Post by **The man in black** » Wed Apr 24, 2013 8:03 pm

I don't find myself in many situations where my fear of heights really kicks in, but when it does I look at it as a challenge to overcome. Sometimes I think if I treated every problem in life the way I treat being on a tall ladder I would be way more successful than I am.

baffled · Post by **baffled** » Wed Apr 24, 2013 8:11 pm

Oh, and the breathing stuff Chesser has talked about is worth a shot. I'll just work on five seconds in and out.

Breath control is way important for me, and focusing on the time is a good way to take my mind off of whatever's got my nuts in a bind.

Turdacious · Post by **Turdacious** » Wed Apr 24, 2013 8:16 pm

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.

Heh. There may be some truth to that. I found my fear of heights diminished significantly after spending a day working on a 20 foot ladder. Wearing shoes that allowed me to feel the ground more seemed to help too (fortunately there was no one there to tell me that chucks were not appropriate for electrical work).

milosz · Post by **milosz** » Wed Apr 24, 2013 8:20 pm

I didn't think heights bothered me at all, but that antenna video gives me a rock in the pit of my stomach. Fuck.

I've been getting on and off of roofs since I was 5-6 but every time I step off of a roof onto a ladder (extension from a house or attached to a commercial) I'm momentarily certain that my boot is going to slip or the ladder will fall away and I'm going to be a quadriplegic.

Shapecharge · Post by **Shapecharge** » Wed Apr 24, 2013 8:24 pm

One thing that worked for me was to walk to the window and look straight out then drop my drawers and start jacking off. Once I drop a load on the window I'm usually cool. There's been several times though where I've had to bolt mid-stroke after some security guys came after me. It's a big building so I haven't been caught yet.

Kenny X · Post by **Kenny X** » Wed Apr 24, 2013 8:41 pm

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.

You just changed my mind about the cliff diving.

As for breath control, since I already do breath work when I meditate, this is definitely something I can work with.

If an earthquake ever happens while I'm up there I've ready decided- I'm gonna choke myself the fuck out.

tough old man · Post by **tough old man** » Wed Apr 24, 2013 10:18 pm

Strict window avoidance is definitely going to be adhered to.

Kenny X · Post by **Kenny X** » Wed Apr 24, 2013 10:43 pm

tough old man wrote:
Strict window avoidance is definitely going to be adhered to.

I was wondering who was gonna post one of these.

IGX

Anybody here who's afraid of heights, and if so...

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