I feel sick to my stomach as soon as I put helmet on, and strap it?

I feel sick to my stomach as soon as I put helmet on, and strap it?

Any advice of what I can do in order to get rid of phobic feeling, when I put helmet on.

Just recently we rode on a very hot day, and all of a sudden I felt like I could not breathe. I had a feeling that I am going to die. It was awful. We had to stop right away and rest, catch some air.

Ever since that time I have such a phobia of wearing helmet and can't ride bike, because of it.
The moment I put it on I just have the worst feeling and need to strip it off asap.

I am sad as I want to ride the bike with my husband.

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I feel sick to my stomach as soon as I put helmet on, and strap it?

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Mar 31, 2011

Sick About Putting On A Helmet
by: Tom Chop

I know the feeling, when the "Man" forced us to put these damn "life-savers" on in 1972 here in Alabama I got a distinct feeling of nausea when I strapped it up. We tried to get away with not fastening the straps but the "Law Dogs" wrote us up instead. These helmets that the NHTSA decided were so safe were implemented into the states` laws by withholding federal highway funds if a state didn't comply and write these things into their highway laws. A study about the marked increase in fatal neck injuries was swept under the carpet. The helmets sold back then were quite a bit heavier than the type we have to choose from today. I`ll get off of my soap box now. Ride Safe.

Tom Chop

Sep 06, 2010

Baby Steps
by: Terrie

Thank you for your question, I thought I was weird for having the same problem. Like one of the other riders I got a 3/4 helmet with a retractable sun visor and a face shield. When its real hot and I was feeling a little panic attack coming on I would raise the full face shield and just use the sun visor. Now I have the shield closed all the time and am looking at a full helmet as my next purchase. Baby steps!

Aug 10, 2010

Helmet
by: Donna

I have also had the helmet dilemma. I first tried on a full face and as soon as I put the shield down, I felt a panicky. Tried on a 3/4 helmet, put the shield down and was fine.

Aug 10, 2010

Helmets
by: Anonymous

I went to a presentation on helmets given by our local Women on Wheels. I found out that there are different head shapes and that you really need someone who knows head shapes and helmets to assist you with purchasing the right helmet.

I feel very claustrophobic in my full face helmet. So I purchased a helmet that is a half face and has a shape at the back of my neck the does not inhibit the turning of my head. The Helmet was made in Europe and is DOT approved my full faced is DOT and SNELL approved. However, I feel so much more comfortable in my half faced helmet and wear it all the time. However, it is pretty cold on the face in the cooler weather so I will wear my full faced.

If you have not had some knowledgeable assistance in purchasing your helmet I would suggest you try a reputable dealer.

Best of Luck. Sometimes it takes a couple of tries to get the correct gear.

Aug 10, 2010

Panic
by: Sandra

My first few weeks riding, I would get panicky just gearing up - jeans, boots, jacket, gloves, helmet - I actually talked myself out of more than one ride because of this fear...

But I don't know if that is what you are experiencing, or if your reaction is strictly helmet related! I first bought a Bell "Shorty" - just a step above a polo helmet in my opinion, because I thought I wanted to feel unrestricted. After about 2 weeks, I had ordered an HJC FS-3 3/4 helmet that is actually SNELL approved (most 3/4's are not). I found that for my personal preference, I LIKE to feel the helmet's cheek pads hugging my face and to have my ears covered. Both of my helmets have removable face shields, but no jaw protection. My husband has chosen to ride without a helmet because 1) it's legal in our state 2) he's VERY claustrophobic by nature and 3) his friends ride without helmets.

The amount of, and type of gear you wear, is largely your choice. You do not mention the type of helmet you have, but there are MANY options that allow varying degrees of open-ness. However, after spending some time at a web-site dedicated to motorcycle safety that displays photos of injuries to motorcyclists, I was no longer comfortable with the Shorty. And I put my gloves on, even in Chicago summer heat. Even walking away from an accident can leave your skin torn up. I'd prefer to keep my ears attached, and my palms intact; and I choose to dress for the fall and just enjoy the ride.

I hope you are able to find your happy medium!!

Aug 10, 2010

Different Style of Helmet
by: Wanda

It is normal for some people to feel claustrophobic with a full-face helmet on with the visor closed. If you are one of those people, you may have to look into getting a different style of helmet or at least ride with the visor cracked open one notch. I suggest going to motorcycle dealers and cycle gear stores and trying on different styles to see if there are any that you feel comfortable in. I've seen the half helmets that many Harley riders wear--those you will need to wear sunglasses with for eye protection. There is the 3/4 helmet with or without the face-shield. Try different ones. Sorry you are having this problem. Let us know what ends up working for you. Hope you are able to get out there and ride with hubby soon!

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