Hey. I’ve dealt with major general and social anxiety for my whole life, and spent many years battling with mental health issues. 

For most of my life, railroading has been one of my favorite hobbies. I live in the NYC area, don’t have a license, and take the train everywhere. I enthuse over railroading history and equipment. I love the whole thing. 

Over the past few months, however, I’ve found myself increasingly anxious while being around or riding trains. I constantly fear that something may go wrong, and because of my knowledge of railroading, the fear is only increased. 

Every time we go over a switch I’m expecting to get thrown over it at high speed, and it scares me despite my rational mind knowing it won’t happen. Every time we cross a road, I’m anticipating the train hitting a vehicle or vice versa. In tunnels, I find myself anxious of the sheer speed and noise level. 

It’s starting to become life limiting and is ruining one of my great interests. I need help dealing with this. Any ideas? I already see a therapist and we’re working on some but anything helps