Gephyrophobia (pronounced as Jeff-ee-ro-pho-bia) is a common specific phobia affecting many individuals. People with this phobia are afraid of crossing bridges or tunnels: driving over a bridge or even seeing one from afar or seeing photos/movies involving bridges can set off an anxiety attack in the sufferer.
Often the phobic realizes that his fear is unwarranted and irrational; but he is completely unable to overcome it. The fear of bridges or tunnels can thus affect one’s professional and personal life in that; one might refuse to drive or travel or will likely make career decisions that revolve around his fear. Drivers might swerve or brake dangerously upon seeing a bridge, thereby endangering one’s life as well as of those around. The fear of bridges phobia can thus be quite debilitating.
Causes of fear of bridges phobia
Most Gephyrophobics fear bridges that run over large water bodies. Their fear, like all other phobias, might have its roots embedded in the past. A negative or traumatic experience involving bridges might have set it off.
The fear is also linked to the fear of heights or Acrophobia. Most bridges run over large valleys or water bodies at a great height. Additionally, some bridges may be small or restricted leading to claustrophobia or the fear of small restricted spaces. An accident or death witnessed by the phobic over a bridge might lead to creation of a similar fear response over and over. The anxiety is the mind’s way of protecting the individual from ‘supposedly dangerous’ situations.
Many individuals fear that the bridge might collapse or that the driver might lose control of the vehicle and crash into the depths below. Such fear is valid and normal in most people; but in case of a Gephyrophobic it can lead to severe anxiety symptoms.
Movie scenes or news reports of accidents that have occurred over a bridge can also lead to this phobia especially in people who are already suffering from other anxiety disorders. Adrenal deficiency can sometimes play a role in triggering this phobia.
Symptoms of Gephyrophobia
Anxiety and panic attacks are common symptoms of the fear of bridges phobia.
- Shortness of breath when driving over a bridge.
- The phobic might squeeze his eyes shut, or experience rapid heart rate and sweaty palms.
- Numbness from head to toe, tingling sensation, shaking, trembling or feeling nauseated are some other symptoms of Gephyrophobia.
- Feelings and thoughts of death, crashing, experiencing violent or negative images or movie stills in the mind are a few psychological symptoms of this phobia.
Many Gephyrophobic individuals try to avoid bridges: seeing pictures, driving over them etc. They might use excuses, lie or avoid situations to avoid bridges.
Treating and overcoming the fear of bridges phobia
Breathing exercises and meditation are two powerful self help techniques recommended by phobics who have successfully overcome their Gephyrophobia. Upon arriving at a bridge, you must try to regulate your breathing and count slowly from 1-10 to ease your anxiety.
Gradual desensitization is one of the best methods of overcoming Gephyrophobia. Start by driving over smaller bridges or simply seeing movies or pictures involving bridges. Try to breathe deeply when doing so. This can help prepare you to cross larger bridges gradually.
Rationalizing negative thoughts by writing down positive thoughts is another self help technique to ease anxiety associated with Gephyrophobia. Friends and loved ones can also help during the process. They can drive you over smaller bridges so that you gradually conquer your fear and cross large bridges alone without experiencing anxiety and panic.
Talk therapy, psychiatric counseling, Hypnotherapy are other tried and tested therapies that can help you overcome Gephyrophobia once and for all.
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Olivia says
I don’t really have a fear of bridges to the point where I have panic attacks, but the idea of a bridge scares me. I mostly get anxious when going over a bridge with water beneath it. My body just turns to jelly and I start to shake. Also, other bridges where you can’t see what’s over them scares me. I think it’s because you hear stories about stuff that has happened to people and in movies where pressure build up and you’re trapped in the car which is filling up with water.
Vivi says
Seeing there are many people with the same problem is something of a consolation 😉 I have all the symptoms you describe and it’s getting worse with age. A few years ago i was traveling in Vietnam and during a trekking excursion i found myself on a suspending rope bridge, with gaps between the tiles. I thought I could do it, but I ended up sitting down in the middle of the bridge, having a panic attack. My friends helped me go back, by holding me by the arms, shoving the other tourists away and talking to me the whole time. When I reached the end, I cried my heart out. I think that was the most frightening experience I had on a bridge (of the many).
Y2K says
Well, I’m not alone I see. I read many of the comments here about fear of bridges and I don’t feel so bad. It’s more of a problem for many of us. I can handle the smaller bridges. It’s the suspension and high bridges over water that near gives me a panic attack. Or the ones that are arch type bridges where you can’t see the other side of the bridge until you get to the apex. Sweaty palms, pounding heart, shallow breathing. And I believe I’ve tried darn near everything to get over this with no luck. Lately, I’ve tried anchoring which is basically thinking relaxing thoughts while squeezing your fist or an ear lobe or some such thing. The theory is that if you do it enough, your subconscious mind will equate the relaxing thoughts with the squeezing. And then you can use it when going over a bridge and the fear will go away. Not so sure I believe it. I’ve also tried subliminal stuff and that has not seemed to help. The worst part is I’m an engineer and know how these are built.
Melissa says
I have had an anxiety disorder since 20. I am 40 now and I totally fear bridges. It did hit until about 10 years ago and I try to find alt routes. We worked in New Orleans for the last 2 years and there is water and bridges everywhere. I couldn’t go certain places. The cognitive behavior does not work when you feel like you are dying. I can go over small bridges but the larger higher suspension bridges aren’t happening. When you have anxiety for so long knowing you can’t stop and pull over when the tunnel vision hits is a bad deal. I think that my problem is there’s nowhere to stop and gain composure. Sometimes I feel weak, tunnel vision, and my biggest thing is a problem swallowing. I can be driving and not be able to swallow my own spit like I’m choking. Anxiety sucks. Wish they made a magical cure but you have to do your best to make it.
Erin says
I wasn’t always terrified of bridges. It seems it started when I was around 50. I have seen pictures of the bridges out east and west and in Michigan. I can honestly say I would not drive on any of these if you paid me . My fear is the heights . I refuse to look at the water to my side. I have crossed bridges into St. Louis and Kentucky and they were bad. They are nothing compared to those I have seen in pictures in New York and California. Still when I look and see that roller coaster like highway I almost throw up. I do ok on this one going into Kentucky because traffic moves very slowly on it. I clench the wheel and stare straight ahead and somehow make it. I had a doctor over there but now don’t have to go back, thank God.
John says
Is there a discussion group for this crazy issue, I used to go to Manhattan several times a week, bridges and Lincoln tunnel and now, if I accidentally find myself on a bridge I shake violently and almost think I will have an immediate heart attack and harm others! Seems so darn stupid, deep breathing and other suggestions don’t work. the minute I’m on until off I am going to either kill myself or others its that bad. I think there has to be some warning of bridges ahead that way we can either turnaround or switch drivers.
Robert Burke says
I feel the same exact way, mine started getting really bad after I had open heart surgery at 46. I had to go from NOVA to Philly thru Baltimore and thought I was going to have a heart attack, this is a freaking nightmare. Now I am looking for a GPS with programmable routes because if I get stuck on a high bridge I am stopping and calling 911, the worst part is you get stuck on a freeway with no way out
Susannah says
I have always had a problem with heights, and not good with bridges, but could concentrate my way over them. But today, at 53 years old, I was visiting Oregon, didn’t know they call it the city of bridges, and I lost it. The is a bridge that’s 4 miles long and I almost ended up on it. After that I cried and was afraid to drive at all in case I mistakenly ended up on a bridge. I had a panic attack and called my sister in CA to Google how to get to the airport without ending up on a bridge. Once in line at the airport security I couldn’t stop crying, I felt sick all over. I feel a little sick and numb just writing this. I can’t believe this has developed in to such a big thing at 53. I live in CA and am looking to move, but now my choices have suddenly become very limited. I HATE bridges!! I’m single and afraid it’s going to make me seem like a nut job, and very high maintenance. Just what I needed. Ugh!
Amanda says
I’m looking at relocating to Jacksonville and just saw it’s the city of bridges. YIKES! I’m deathly afraid of bridges, especially over water. Any tricks to help?
John says
I am almost at a complete loss because of my fear of bridges, its now got to the point even as a passenger I almost have the same symptoms ‘extreme anxiety’. I try to completely avoid all bridges with exception of small bridges. Its become debilitating and interfering with my job and personal life.
Alyssa says
I’m not a driver yet, by I still get most of the symptoms above. My mom doesn’t believe I have this fear and says to quite playing around. I can cross tiney foot bridges, but the bay bridge is a nightmare. I’m always afraid the bridge will break, and I’ll fall down and die. I have gotten a bit better, but I’m still deathly afraid- and I have no idea why!
John Smith says
When I have walked up to the middle of the bridge I really feel like it is starting to move and its going to break. Like the asphalt is soft under my feet. Then after crossing the middle and going near to the other end, the sensation goes away. I have felt this way walking on a narrow bridge not a large one.
Simone Ross says
My fear is to drive across Bridges. I go into panic mode and my body tightens up. I am ok when someone else is driving, but when I am behind the wheel I am stuck.
A student chef says
My fear of bridges extends back to a childhood trauma: I was held over the side of a bridge for punishment. Since then, I have a problem with bridges. I am fine with heights and crossing overpasses on the roadways (feel safe knowing they won’t collapse!) but Steel arch bridges, walkways, and those over the water bridges produce intense fear and outright nausea.
john rolf thenor says
I have the same problem too. A few years ago, I got stuck in new york. I waited 2 hours for a family member to come and drive me past the manhattan bridge. Horrific situation. The sad thing is there is no remedy or real solution to overcome that phobia.
Not sure says
So I like heights, rappelling and tree climbing no issue. I enjoy the water, kayaking, sailing, snorkeling. But bridges over water of any height. Total pucker factor. But I love architectural drawings of bridges as well as pictures. What’s that all about? Can this also be caused by poor adrenal production or adrenal burn out?
arnold tropper says
I have similar fears to those mentioned above.. large bridges over water cause my heart to beat fast, I sweat, get dizzy, etc. I always pull over and have my wife or daughter drive over the bridge. I have to drive from New York to Florida.. does anyone know where I can get a list of bridges that I have to cross starting with the Verrazano and moving south?
Jimmy Elkins says
I am afraid to look to the right or left when driving across a bridge. I do not want anyone in the vehicle to talk to me. I am terrified until I get to the point where there is land beneath me. It is a real fear that I wish I did not have.
ayana says
Hi Friend, I too can relate to your story. I completed my 2nd bridge walk this week. I love walking and I have many bridges that I love, but once I get in the middle of a beloved bridge, I feel as if I’m going to fly off and die. But I’m determined to get past this annoying phobia. Tomorrow I am planning to walk over the George Washington bridge. Just the thought makes me sick.
Sharon says
I too have a difficult time driving over bridges with water. I feel as if the car lifts up off of the ground and that I no longer have control.
Debra says
My experience is the same. I recently found myself in a cold sweat with hands gripping the wheel and heart beating out of my chest as I was driving across the Coronado bay bridge from San Diego to Coronado. Also have issues with height. I don’t have any horrible things from the past that I experienced- this is something that began in my 20s and I’m now in my 60s. I’m always looking for a way to beat this. I’m a very logical person with great sensibility. This is a mystery to me.
Annieo says
I also had the same experience driving across the Coronado Bridge in San Diego. I grew up in SD and had crossed this bridge many, many times without problem, but one Saturday morning, at age 43, I felt an unexpected sense of intense panic when reaching the bridge’s half-way point, like I was going to lose control of my car and go over the side of the bridge. Since then, all high bridges bring on feelings of fear and panic. I just got back from Boston MA – was stuck in traffic on the Tobin bridge. My hands got so sweaty on the steering wheel I didn’t think I would have full control of the rental car. I’ve recently discovered that if I think of something completely different, like something intensely funny or pleasurable, I’m able to hold it together.
Elexas Mathenia says
I’m not afraid of all bridges just some.
Vineice Mitchell says
I’m not afraid of all bridges, it’s all how my brain see the structure of the bridge that determines my fear. If the bridge is big and very tall in structure, my fear kicks in and I can’t drive across it myself. I can if I’m a passenger. I have a deep hatred of my phobia, wish I never had it. It complicates my life!
debbie says
YES, it’s the same with me. I can be a passenger just not a driver, and all bridges are not equal it depends on how it looks – if it looks like we’re driving to heaven, I go cold and panic. A low flat bridge is no issue.
HeightsWuss says
Same thing here, a lot of it is like the ingress of the bridge, a certain angle/sight of it sometimes swings a full panic (sense of dizziness or loss of control, though never happens) . This became an issue to me around 40, before then no problems, always had a fear of heights but driving over bridges/heights never bothered me as long as I was “inside” something. Seems like bridges with the girders going along the top seem to freak me out more, also ones with no emergency lane/narrow lanes are worse. If I’m in the passenger seat, no worries, a few drinks in the passenger seat, really no worries. Incredibly annoying and almost reaching the point of hindering my life as even certain bridges in my local area I actively avoid….this first happened on a road trip to Memphis, going into Memphis from Arkansas I was fine, leaving I was looking for the first place to exit to get a grip!
Thomas says
Wow, I want to thank everyone. I am experiencing the same fear and can really relate to your stories. I had a terrible panic attack while trying to Newport RI and attempting to get over the Jamestown Verazzoano Bridge. I got stuck in Jamestown after because one look at the Clainborne Pell Bridge I had to pull over. I was by myself, it was terrible.
Roxanne says
How you have accurately decribed my symptoms and fears. Thank you. My family call my fears crazy and leave at that. For years I have experienced ridicule and embarrassment because they couldn’t relate to my symptoms. I’m so glad I found this site. Thank all of you !!
Amanda Lisette says
Me TOO. Feels like driving into sky. Surreal like I lose touch with reality! Dizzy terrified feels like I will die
Ethan White says
I don’t really have a phobia of bridges per say, but I do tend to have subtle feelings of unease when standing underneath them. Not small foot bridges, mind you – but large, concrete overpasses (like those that cross rivers, valleys, bays, interstates, etc). It doesn’t bother me to DRIVE under them, because I’m only under them for a split second, but walking, standing, or parking underneath one.
The other day, I was setting up to shoot a video beside a river, and I had to walk under a HUGE concrete bridge that carries a state highway over the river. (The support beams underneath the deck are gargantuan, 9 to 10 foot tall metal I-beams). Every time I got near the bridge or heard cars passing overhead, I had thoughts of it collapsing, either from the weight of the vehicles, or just from it’s own weight.
Englishman says
Yours is the first account I have read in over half a century (yep, I’m old!) where the phobia is about the UNDERSIDE of bridges. I suffer with not being able to go near overhead railway bridges (especially the steel ones) that cross roads and thoroughfares without being scared witless. Even seeing them makes me very anxious.
I am not sure if the term ‘gephyrophobia’ strictly applies to my fear, which I recognize as very irrational, as I have only ever seen it described as a phobia about walking or driving ACROSS bridges. I have such bad vibes when I know I am nearing the vicinity of overhead railway bridges that I paw over street maps of the areas in order to find alternative routes rather than face my nemeses. I even applied for jobs where the locations were specifically nowhere near roads where railway bridges crossed over them. The sight of them makes my stomach curdle and I break out into a cold sweat.
There seems to be a phobia name for those who don’t like to cross bridges, but not a collective name for someone with my particular phobia, so I’ve always wondered if I’m unique.
Carolyn Martin says
I am in the process of relocating and the only way to reach my destination is by bridges or tunnel. I am not terrified of bridges, but I experience anxiety as I approach them and about mid way, my body is feeling very light or numb. I plan to travel the tunnel route next time. Not sure how that will work since I don’t like being closed in? However, I want to thank you for the suggested tips on this web site.
Sincerely,
Excited to move, sad for bridge travel