Claustrophobia and Tickling

[Mr. Blue]

I hadn't thought about a claustrophobic person and tickling, until a situation arose where a model I really wanted to use said she couldn't be tickled / bound, etc, because she was too claustrophobic. Is this a case of, oh well it'll never be, or should we just tickle her outdoors and unrestrained? I don't think I've ever done an outdoor tickle.

Has anyone else run into claustrophobia as a problem with tickling?

 

[jaba]

I hadn't thought about a claustrophobic person and tickling, until a situation arose where a model I really wanted to use said she couldn't be tickled / bound, etc, because she was too claustrophobic. Is this a case of, oh well it'll never be, or should we just tickle her outdoors and unrestrained? I don't think I've ever done an outdoor tickle.

Has anyone else run into claustrophobia as a problem with tickling?

Yes, and that's something to be taken seriously if someone has concerns about it....

I have a few lady friends who have reservations about certain bondage situations because of claustrophobia issues...one ladyfriend of mine cannot do "mummy wrap" type bondage tickling.....

Some scenarios are a "no" under any circumstances, while other bondage scenarios can be performed after a lot of trust, and brief lighter play leading up to the bondage play....some lees that have had reservations actually find that they like bondage tickling if it is presented and performed with the primary care and concern for your lee....

But the bottom line is, your lee calls the shots, and if she's not comfortable with it, don't do it.....

 

[IrishTickle]

I doubt doing it outdoors would be any solution. It's the being bound part that is the problem. But tickling them unrestrained isn't an option either, as you'd want to keep tickling them and they'd want to get away. Since you keep going after them, it'll create the claustrophobic anxieties in them. My advice is let well enough alone. Anything more can result in arrest 😀

 

[Musicroxmysox]

I'm kinda claustrophobic myself and certain situations, definatly mummy wrapping, would freak me out. It's really important that your model is comfortable, because if she gets scared during the shoot, she could go into a panic attack. Just telling you that because I've seen it happen to claustrophobic people when they are uncomfortable. Signs to watch for are frenzied eyes, and very short shallow breathing. Of course it would be harder to tell while a person is getting tickled.

 

[jaba]

I'm kinda claustrophobic myself and certain situations, definatly mummy wrapping, would freak me out. It's really important that your model is comfortable, because if she gets scared during the shoot, she could go into a panic attack. Just telling you that because I've seen it happen to claustrophobic people when they are uncomfortable. Signs to watch for are frenzied eyes, and very short shallow breathing. Of course it would be harder to tell while a person is getting tickled.

And watching for those sighs is VERY important....

One ladyfriend who is a "lifestyle submissive" has engaged in many forms of bondage tickleplay with me, and she's very comfortable with ropes, cuffs, blindfolds and all kinds of contorted tickle play, but it was actually just in casual conversation that she disclosed that she was claustrophic, and one time she experimented with a sensory deprivation scenario, but she panicked, and she said that she felt like she was being "shrink wrapped" and could not breathe, which increased her panic....

It is imperative that in any bondage situation where such extreme anxiety occurs you are immediately able to get your ticklee out of the bondage impliments rapidly....you may in extreme cases have to cut them out of the bondage devices (which of course presents its own set of challenges with a panicked, bound ticklee)

Just as you would in any common sense tickle play scenario, monitor your ticklee for any signs that may cause concern...

 

[lespieds]

I am not into bondage either way, but for those who are -

Suppoise the lee was bound and did start to panic? Should the ler try to calm the partner before trying to unbound? I don't imagine it is easy unbinding a partner who could be yelling or thrashing about [in the most extreme scenario.]

 

[minerva]

I think you should try calming your 'lee WHILE you're trying to unbind them. I guess, for someone who REALLY starts to panic it is most important to see you start to ACTION immediately.

 

[crydun]

Yes, and that's something to be taken seriously if someone has concerns about it....

I have a few lady friends who have reservations about certain bondage situations because of claustrophobia issues...one ladyfriend of mine cannot do "mummy wrap" type bondage tickling.....

Some scenarios are a "no" under any circumstances, while other bondage scenarios can be performed after a lot of trust, and brief lighter play leading up to the bondage play....some lees that have had reservations actually find that they like bondage tickling if it is presented and performed with the primary care and concern for your lee....

But the bottom line is, your lee calls the shots, and if she's not comfortable with it, don't do it.....

amen. I totally agreee. Don't put pressure on her either. She knows what she's comfy with...

 

[jaba]

amen. I totally agreee. Don't put pressure on her either. She knows what she's comfy with...

Yeah, if she has real reservations, I would not insist or push the issue, just go with a non bondage tickle play scenario......just my opinion....

If you have a "newbie" that is curious and wants to experiment, I go light, very light bondage, and light tickling, until the trust and comfort level are sufficient for more extreme play.....

 

[Mr. Blue]

Excellent responses, thanks for the input on this. I used to suffer from panic attacks (still do, but for me wide open spaces sets it off, lol) and that's reason I thought this might be too difficult of an issue to work around.

While I would be able to tell the warning signs because of my own experience with panic attacks...I just don't think I want to chance it. My wife also has some panic issues with bondage but because I had the time to work with her we were able to overcome that...in this situation I just don't think I'd have the time.

Oh well, I guess I could use her as a ler 😀

 

[isabeau]

i've suffered from panic attacks, and i'm sort of claustrophobic...i think with me it would probably show up more if my entire face was covered in some way...or if i were upside down...or lying flat...i'm not sure if the mummy wrap would cause me to panic, as long as my face was not wrapped also..

 

[ShadowTklr]

If a playmate reaches a state of irrational and violent panic while under restraint with any Tickler, then that Tickler is a danger to him/herself and his playmate; for in order for that situation to have gotten that out of control, it means that the Tickler exercised poor judgment in the selection of bondage, and in his/her decision to take the tickling further than the playmate could psychologically tolerate while in restraint.

There should always be a discussion about the parameters of the bondage, and great care should be shown to the restrained party to ensure that they are physically and psychologically relaxed.

If a person should become slightly panicked while restrained, and want out, there should be NO discussion and the Top should NEVER delay release as a means of trying to calm them down. This will only make the panicked person more frustrated and frightened. It is abusive. If panic strikes, adrenaline is pumping and the natural “Fight or Flight” response kicks in. This is never the time to negotiate calm. Without the use of drugs to counteract the secretion of adrenaline, the restrained person’s panic will only escalate, and the more you try to calm them down, the more panicked and frustrated they will become. Ultimately, this could have lasting traumatic effects.

If one does not know how to assess these issues, and has not prepared for the possibility of immediate escape in the event of a MILD panic attack, then one has absolutely no business restraining others.

 

[chicago]

I am slightly claustrophobic. If I'm in a big crowd or a really confined space, I start to panic. And having asthma too, it's not fun.

This is why I would never be able to try mummification. I can't understand anyone that does that.

*shudders*

 

[steph]

Because people are sick idiots.
Seriously, I suffer from both and some of us DO understand.
The trick is to have a compassionate gentle 'ler who gets you and is smart enough to watch ANY sign of panic and stops. Worst I ever went thru was a blanket that got too damn hot (wasn't his fault, it was hot out!) One fun and considerate friend brought in a fan and a hammock, it was great.
Saran wrap? Forget it, my body temp runs way too hot, I'd pass out in under five.
Find someone you can trust, baby steps.

XOXO

I am slightly claustrophobic. If I'm in a big crowd or a really confined space, I start to panic. And having asthma too, it's not fun.

This is why I would never be able to try mummification. I can't understand anyone that does that.

*shudders*

 

[jaba]

tell us more about this "lucky ler"....

The trick is to have a compassionate gentle 'ler who gets you and is smart enough to watch ANY sign of panic and stops. One fun and considerate friend brought in a fan and a hammock, it was great.
XOXO

Hmmmmm.......was this "fun and considerate ler" also cute, and did he have a "sexy tush"?.... 😛