Not sure I shared years ago about my experience at a local outdoor adventure place (may have predated my joining this forum). Where ex-MC had suggested that H and I go to push our boundaries (we both have fears of heights) and bond over it. There was a log crossing many feet up where I had a total panic attack halfway across and was frozen and sobbing (H had already crossed--the guide eventually helped me get to the other side). Yes, I was tethered, but I just feared the actual fall, even knowing I'd survive.

Well, today, in talking about H getting yet another MRI for his hip, I said how I Imagined I'd have claustrophobia in an MRI. Dr. T said he never used to have it, but there was an event that led him to start having claustrophobia--did I want to know what it was? Weirdly, it was at the same outdoor adventure place, but something where he went headfirst, diving into a nylon tube, where he got stuck for 6-7 minutes. He said it was his first panic attack (they no longer have this as an option, though don't think it was due to his experience). Interesting that we both had scary experiences at the same place.

He said he'd spent 20 years talking clients through panic attacks, but it didn't really prepare him to deal with his own. I said maybe he understood them more now, and he said he did. Just an interesting exchange. And a place where self-disclosure can be helpful, I think.