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Ok, I am writing this musical (that I may adapt into a story here), and the main character has claustrophobia. Trouble is, I don't (I am very glad that I am not claustrophobic, please do not take that sentence the wrong way). So I thought "maybe someone on CYS does (because it's the only site that I haven ever had an account on), and could tell me how it works." So anyway, I'm here to check my facts.

• Is it possible to get claustrophobic in a large crowd (if they are all taller than you and very pressed in)?
• What is it like to feel claustrophobic?

And if I think of any more questions, I'll post another message. Thanks!

Yes, you can get claustrophobic in any situation you feel closed in on or trapped (even something as simple as having both feet under the covers)...

Any phobia manifests itself as an irrational anxiety response (or fear) to the situation. Basically an anxiety attack with varrying severity based on the individual.

As BZ said yes it really can and does happen, being jostled in a crowd is one of the main triggers, especially on trains and other transport

Alot of people feel a tightening of the throat, inability to breath, sensation that things are crushing you etc. If severe can lead to full panic attack or lashing out in crowds to make space. If you want medical level detail I can pm you more.

I can't help with the specificity of claustrophobia, but just phobias in general (although, people are different, but GENERALLY) cause someone to feel extreme anxiety--to the point of not being able to breathe, panic can sometimes cause a kind of tunnel vision or lessening of vision, and often the throat closes or feels as though it is. Panic attacks feel like heart attacks and most times, the person experiencing them genuinely feels like/thinks they are dying. Cold sweats, drumming/ringing/tornado like sounds in the ears and palpitations and a sharp pain throughout the chest and head are all common. It's also common for people to react by not being able to move or speak or, but rarer than the first, for them to literally run away as fast as they possibly can.

Thanks, you've all been very helpful! It's not very severe claustrophobia, she can even be in a cave that is also a cage (although she is planning her escape as we speak, but not very well, because she is TERRIFIED!), but she will not EVER go to such places willingly!

If it isn't "severe" is it still a phobia? Or just a fear? I'm just wondering. Anyway, good luck getting her out! xD