Like any phobia, the fear of elevators ranges from mild to severe.

Think about when the restraint bar fits snugly over you on a roller coaster.

Basophobia

Fear of falling is another phobia that could aggravate a fear of elevators.

Businessman in elevator

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Previous Experiences

Many phobias can be traced to a previous experience that caused fright.

Maybe the elevator in your building moves too quickly or more slowly than you are comfortable with.

However, the personal experience need not have happened to you for a phobia to develop.

Watching something scary happen in an elevator may be enough to trigger this fear.

Modern Safety Features

Elevator Accidents Do Occur

Elevator accidents do occasionally occur.

For the rest of the elevator passengers of the world, there is still a small risk.

Other than hungry, thirsty, inconvenienced, and a bit bored, the passengers are usually just fine.

Even more rarely, something goes catastrophically wrong with an elevator.

In 2011, for example, two women died two weeks apart on opposite sides of the country.

Although investigated, the cause of this elevator malfunction was never fully determined.

If your fear is more severe or persistent, however,professional assistancemay be required.

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