Current:Home > NewsBaltimore bridge collapse and coping with gephyrophobia. The fear is more common than you think. -AssetTrainer
Baltimore bridge collapse and coping with gephyrophobia. The fear is more common than you think.
View
Date:2025-04-18 23:04:55
The Francis Scott Key Bridge collapsed in Baltimore after a cargo ship hit the structure, sending several vehicles into the Patapsco River. If you panicked at the news – I never want to drive on a bridge again! What if that had been me? – you're not alone.
The fear is real and not entirely uncommon, experts say. In fact there's a name for it: gephyrophobia is a phobia of traveling over bridges, usually in a car. Things like mental health care and exposure therapy can help. The first step, for many, might be crossing a bridge again.
"With any fear, the absolute only way to overcome it is through exposure to the thing you are afraid of," says Abigail Marsh, psychologist and neuroscientist and professor at Georgetown University’s Department of Psychology and the Interdisciplinary Neuroscience Program. "Fear is a learned behavioral and physiological response to a cue that you have to actively train your body out of. But it's very possible to do."
Live updates:Baltimore's Key Bridge collapses after ship hits it; construction crew missing
What to know about the fear of bridges
The fear of bridges is common, according to experts.
"It clusters together with both a fear of heights and agoraphobia, with agoraphobia being anxiety about being in any place, or situation where escape might be difficult or embarrassing in the event of having a panic attack," says Kevin Chapman, founder and director of the Kentucky Center for Anxiety and Related Disorders. You might be afraid of feeling trapped, or afraid of heights.
One should distinguish whether this is indeed a phobia or a temporary trauma response.
"It's normal to feel it in your body when you are very high on a tall bridge – that's a natural reaction to heights," Marsh says. "And it's normal to feel worried thinking about what could happen if a bridge collapsed. A true phobia is a degree of fear that interferes with your ability to function and causes extreme distress at the very idea of going over a bridge."
What's more: "People with gephyrophobia may drive hours out of their way to avoid going over a bridge, for example, because they are too distressed at the idea of driving over it," she adds.
Those with broader panic disorder who are prone to panic attacks "worry the feelings will emerge when they can't easily remove themselves to a place where the feelings will subside," says clinical psychologist Martin Self. "So, bridges, tunnels, mass transportations, metro, flying, etc. are the most common places."
Watch:Photos, video show collapse of Baltimore's Francis Scott Key Bridge after cargo ship collision
How to get over fear of bridges
Like many mental health conditions, therapists will use both cognitive behavioral therapy and exposure therapy to treat patients.
Cognitive behavioral therapy trains someone to relax on cue while progressively exposed to the fear with the help of a therapist. In this case, it might mean relaxing when looking at pictures of bridges, then imagine traveling over them, according to Marsh.
The exposure component involves confronting scenarios which will differ depending on the specific fear, according to Chapman: Do they need to learn that they can stay on the bridge and not escape? That they can stay on the bridge and not have a panic attack? That they can cross it multiple times and their feared outcome doesn't occur?
"Some bridges offer services like people who will drive your car over the bridge for you so you can just ride with your eyes closed," Marsh adds. "Apparently, for many people with gephyrophobia, part of the fear is that they will get so anxious in the middle of the bridge that they won't be able to cope. It's fear of fear itself, in a way. So being driven by someone else over the bridge can be helpful."
For some, though, the bridge collapse "may also just trigger some temporary anxiety that will subside over time, in which case treatment may not be warranted," says Martin Antony, professor and chair of the Department of Psychology at Toronto Metropolitan University.
When in doubt, talk to someone about how you're feeling. Help is available no matter how severe your distress.
veryGood! (1254)
Related
- Brianna LaPaglia Reveals The Meaning Behind Her "Chickenfry" Nickname
- Survey of over 90,000 trans people shows vast improvement in life satisfaction after transition
- The Senate eyes new plan on Ukraine, Israel aid after collapse of border package
- Idaho death row inmate nearing execution wants a new clemency hearing. The last one ended in a tie
- Bill Belichick's salary at North Carolina: School releases football coach's contract details
- Anthony Fauci will reflect on his long government career in ‘On Call,’ to be published in June
- Jury to decide on climate scientist Michael Mann’s defamation suit over comparison to molester
- The game. The ads. The music. The puppies. Here’s why millions are excited for Super Bowl Sunday
- Newly elected West Virginia lawmaker arrested and accused of making terroristic threats
- Pod of orcas seen trapped by thick sea ice off northern Japan believed to be free
Ranking
- The White House is cracking down on overdraft fees
- Ulta Beauty’s Mini Edition BOGO Sale Let's You Mix & Match Your Favorite Brands, Like Olaplex, MAC & More
- Mo'Nique slams Tiffany Haddish, Oprah Winfrey and Kevin Hart in scathing podcast: 'You betrayed me'
- Erection shockwave therapy may help with erectile dysfunction, but it's shrouded in shame
- Paris Hilton, Nicole Richie return for an 'Encore,' reminisce about 'The Simple Life'
- It's no surprise there's a global measles outbreak. But the numbers are 'staggering'
- 1000-lb Sisters' Tammy Slaton Shares She Was Suicidal Prior to Weight Loss Transformation
- Self-proclaimed pastor accused of leading starvation cult in Kenya pleads not guilty to 191 child murders
Recommendation
The FBI should have done more to collect intelligence before the Capitol riot, watchdog finds
Pod of orcas seen trapped by thick sea ice off northern Japan believed to be free
Justin Timberlake's 2024 tour adds 8 new concerts: What to know about cities, tickets, presale
What happens if there's a tie vote in the House?
Pressure on a veteran and senator shows what’s next for those who oppose Trump
Justin Timberlake's 2024 tour adds 8 new concerts: What to know about cities, tickets, presale
An Ohio officer says he didn’t see a deputy shoot a Black man but he heard the shots ring out
First Asian American to lead Los Angeles Police Department is appointed interim chief