Crossing bridges can be a daunting task for some individuals, and the fear of experiencing a bridge collapse is very real. Gephyrophobia is a diagnosis for people who are afraid of crossing bridges. This diagnosis has become more prevalent after a ship crashed into the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore, causing it to collapse and leaving six workers missing and presumed dead.
Witnessing such an event can trigger confirmation anxiety, where a person’s worst fear is confirmed right before their eyes. Mental health therapist Jay Powell emphasized that this diagnosis is common and can be challenging to cope with for those affected.
In Jacksonville, residents shared their feelings about traveling across bridges in the city. While some like Neil Weinreb don’t experience anxiety when crossing most bridges, others like Bernard Tebo express concerns about maritime traffic possibly causing accidents.
To cope with bridge-related anxiety, Powell suggests focusing on a local point or listening to music to distract from feelings of nausea or dizziness. By adopting these coping strategies, individuals can navigate their fear of crossing bridges more effectively.
