According to the Anxiety and Depression Association of America, claustrophobia is one of the most common phobias in the United States. It’s estimated that about 12% of the population suffers from claustrophobia. Claustrophobia can manifest itself in several ways. Here’s what you need to know about it.
Claustrophobia
Claustrophobia is an irrational fear of being in small, enclosed spaces. It can be triggered by many things, including public transportation, elevators, and your home. Symptoms of claustrophobia include anxiety, shortness of breath, rapid heartbeat, and sweating.
Claustrophobia can vary from person to person. Some people may only feel claustrophobic in certain situations, while others may always feel it. If you have claustrophobia, you may avoid the places or things that trigger your anxiety.
Your home should also be a therapeutic place where you can leave your anxieties and fears behind. One way to do that is by expanding your home.
Expanding Your Home
Thankfully, there are several things you can do to treat your claustrophobia and make your home more comfortable. Here are five ways to expand your home and ease your claustrophobia:
Get Rid of Clutter
Clutter is stressful. It’s also one of the things that can make a space feel smaller. If you have claustrophobia, getting rid of clutter is a great way to make your home feel bigger and less oppressive.
You can get rid of clutters in various ways. One way is through organizing. You can organize your things by storing them when you don’t need them. You can consider getting a storage unit for extra furniture and items you might not need.
You can also consider following the KonMari method. This method is about decluttering your home by removing things that don’t bring you joy. It can be a great way to expand your home and improve your mental health. The KonMari method can help free up a lot of space in your home while positively reinforcing your brain. It’s an excellent method for those who tend to hoard a lot.
Add Mirrors
Mirrors are another great way to make a space feel bigger. They reflect light and make the room look brighter and more open. If you have claustrophobia, adding mirrors to your home is a great way to make it feel bigger and less oppressive.
You can add mirrors in many ways. One way is to hang them on the walls. You can also put them on shelves or elsewhere where they’ll reflect light. Another great way to use mirrors is to put them in strategic locations. For instance, you can put a mirror opposite a window to reflect the light and make the room look brighter.
Let in Natural Light
Natural light can also help a space feel bigger. It’s one of the reasons why people love big windows. If you have claustrophobia, letting in natural light is a great way to make your home feel more open and less oppressive.
You can let in natural light by opening the curtains or blinds. You can also consider installing skylights or larger windows. Another great way to let in natural light is to paint the walls a lighter color. This will help reflect the light and make the space feel brighter.
Utilize Your Backyard
Your backyard can be a great asset if you have claustrophobia. It’s a great way to get fresh air and feel more connected to nature. If you have a small yard, you can still make the most by adding a few key pieces.
One way to utilize your backyard is to add a patio or deck. It’ll give you a place to relax and enjoy the outdoors without leaving your home. You can also consider adding potted plants or flowers. It will help bring some life into the space and make it feel more inviting. Another great way to use your backyard is to add a garden. It can be a great way to get some exercise and fresh air while also getting rid of unwanted stress.
However, all of these suggestions require one thing: good landscaping. Landscaping can make a big difference in how your backyard looks and feels. If it’s too much work for you, consider getting a landscaper to help you out. This professional can ensure that your backyard is appropriately designed and taken care of. It’s also good to call them every three years to ensure that your backyards are correctly maintained.
No matter how you choose to expand your home, the most important thing is that you make it comfortable and inviting for you. In addition, make sure that they also alleviate your claustrophobic symptoms.
If there are any changes that you find too daunting or expensive, start small. There’s no need to overhaul your entire home at once. Instead, pick one change and see how it goes. You can always add more changes later on. The most important thing is that you make your home a place where you feel safe and comfortable.
