Coping With Siderodromophobia, or the Fear of Trains

Coping With Siderodromophobia, or the Fear of Trains Phobias Types Print Coping With Siderodromophobia, or the Fear of Trains By Lisa Fritscher Lisa Fritscher is a freelance writer and editor with a deep interest in phobias and other mental health topics. Learn about our editorial policy Lisa Fritscher Medically reviewed by on February 12, 2020 Sandra Baker / Getty Images More in Phobias Types Causes Symptoms and Diagnosis Treatment Siderodromophobia, or the fear of trains, is a broadly encompassing diagnosis that includes all fears related to trains. Some people fear  crashing, while others are afraid of the lack of control. Still, others do not directly fear  trains  but find them to be a trigger for other phobias such as claustrophobia,  social phobia, or  germ phobia. Understanding Siderodromophobia Siderodromophobia is a specific phobia that may be rooted in many different fears.  Depending on the severity of your phobia, symptoms like  shaking, sweating, gastrointestinal  symptoms,  or heart palpitations  may begin long before a scheduled train trip.  Anticipatory anxiety  is common, and in some cases, maybe even worse than the fear experienced during train travel. If you have  siderodromophobia, you might be afraid only of traditional  railroads, or your fear may encompass subways and monorails as well. Some people fear only subways or monorails, and not traditional railroads, but this is believed to be rare. But what about people who are afraid not of trains, but of their tracks? Do they technically have  siderodromophobia, or is it an entirely separate fear? Fears Related to Train Tracks Although it lacks an official phobia name, the fear of train tracks may not be that rare. A quick Internet search turns up hundreds of discussions involving this fear. The phobia of train tracks generally hinges on two main concerns: the fear of accidentally being stuck on the tracks and the fear of being pushed. These fears often encompass not only railroad tracks, but subway tracks as well. Many people report that subway platforms are particularly terrifying, as they worry about being pushed or falling onto the tracks below. Of course, train tracks and subway stations can be risky, and it only makes sense to use caution. Crowded platforms carry an increased risk of being accidentally jostled or pushed as everyone struggles to get onto an already-full train or subway car. Likewise, it is never a smart idea to stop on railroad tracks. Making sure there is enough room to get all the way across before proceeding is prudent. The phobia, however, goes far beyond simply using an abundance of caution. Common Causes The fear of being stuck on railroad tracks is often, though not always, related to a previous negative experience. If you have ever had a car stall on the tracks, you may be at increased risk for a phobia. However, the negative experience need not have happened to you. Every once in a while, a train derails or someone is struck by an oncoming train. Although these events are extremely rare, they generally receive ongoing media coverage for several days. Watching an accident on TV could be enough to spark a fear. If your parents were afraid of railroad tracks, you may be more likely to develop a similar fear. In addition, railroad tracks play a role in many urban legends and ghost stories. One popular legend states that in the 1930s or 1940s, a school bus full of children stalled on a railroad crossing near San Antonio, Texas. The driver and ten children were killed when the bus was hit by a speeding train. Today, if a vehicle is stopped near the tracks, it is said that their spirits will push the vehicle uphill over the tracks to safety. Supposedly if you sprinkle talcum powder on the trunk and rear bumper before trying this, you will see handprints in the dust. Whether that legend is true or not, it demonstrates how pervasive stories about railroad tracks have become. Another popular superstition involves picking up your feet when crossing a railroad track by car. The origins of this one are lost to time, but kids and even adults continue to follow this rule today. Coping With the Fear If your fear is mild, you may be able to contain it with self-help methods. Simply spending time at a railroad track or subway station near your home can help dissipate some of the fear.  Purposeful breathing, visualization,  and  meditation   relieve stress and can help ease panicky feelings. For some people, however, this fear becomes life-limiting. If your fear is severe, you might take long, circuitous routes to avoid crossing tracks. You may be unable to use the subway system or even take a public bus, as you would be unable to control the drivers route. If fear of train tracks severely impacts your life, it is best to seek professional assistance. Train phobia is highly treatable, with good rates of success. One of the most popular treatments is  cognitive-behavioral therapy. In this treatment, you will be taught to stop and redirect your negative thoughts about trains. You will also learn to change your behaviors regarding trains.  With proper treatment, this phobia can be successfully managed or even overcome.