Embed from Getty Images

About 10% of the UK’s population suffer from claustrophobia – but what happens when it affects a normal part of everyday life, such as getting on the tube?

And more and more people are using the underground.

Passenger numbers on the Tube  were up by 8 million in 2014.

This is largely because London’s population is growing and estimated to rise from 8.4 million today to around 10 million by 2030.

Transport for London explains: ‘that’s an extra Tube train full of people every three days.’

“Congestion-on-the-london-underground” by Susanturner70 – Own work. Licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons

TfL say they’re meeting the challenge with modernisaton and a better service.

But it could be argued that’s not going to help people who find it difficult to cope psychologically with a  perception of overcrowding and underground tunnel environments.

This feature looks at the issue of phobias – how they start, how they can be treated and what steps someone may have to take in order to put a distressing event behind them.

‘Four Walls’ paints a vivid and honest portrayal of what it’s like to live with claustrophobia.

Produced by Rosie Cutler.

NHS advice and help resources on claustrophobia

Ten ways to fight your fears– NHS advice.