I am claustrophobic.
And the condition rears its ugly head at the most inopportune times.
Riding the elevator to the top of the St. Louis Arch. Getting an MRI for a shoulder injury. Or simply being crowded into the corner of the elevator by one too many people.
But I never thought a facial would freak me out.
I was at a salon today over lunch — indulging in said facial, thanks to a birthday gift card from a generous friend — and the technician completely covered my face with a solid wrap, leaving only a small slit for my mouth.
Needless to say, I panicked.
Once I explained my phobia, she offered to leave a slit for my nose as well. I still couldn’t see, but I did deep breathing and mind games to remain calm. Not exactly the soothing experience I had in mind…but hey —
My skin looks fabulous!
Any time I see one of those articles about actors getting their faces covered with plaster for masks to age them or turn them into monsters, I freak out for them.
I was thinking the same thing — remembering Jim Carrey in “The Grinch” and his work with NAVY Seals to deal with the claustrophobia.