I broke my pinky last year, and the night after I got the cast on, I got fixated on how claustrophobic I felt at not being able to straighten the finger.
Apparently around 5% of people struggle with this. It might relate to the fact I'd gone 4 decades + without experiencing plaster; but it was so difficult to stay on top of it.
I actually stood in the kitchen with a pair of scissors, trying to work out how I could cut myself out.
It was only when I realised I could, that I calmed down enough to leave it on.
It was a valuable opportunity to get a taste of what somebody with anxiety must go through every day. Only a taste though, since mine was temporary, and physical removable.
I haven't heard of that with the claustrophobia before. Humans are weird - but I get it. It is interesting how once you have an "out" the anxiety dissipates and I think this is one of the reasons to build tools to deal with stress, as it gives options. Without options, we are trapped, physically, mentally, emotionally and when in a corner, we panic.
Thanks for the story of your experience - it is really useful.