Reflections on My Worst Escape Room Experience: Learning from the Difficult Moments

Escape rooms are a popular activity that can lead to hours of laughter, puzzle-solving, and excitement. However, like any activity, there can be instances where the experience falls short of expectations. In this article, I delve into my most challenging escape room experience and how it has shaped my understanding of team dynamics, anxiety, and the importance of inclusivity.

My Worsening Escape Room Experience

One of my worst escape room experiences occurred when I joined my little teenage brother and a group of friends for a team-building exercise in my Girl Scout troop. The chosen venue was Escape 101, a well-known escape room in Chicago, specifically the Focus Time Escape location. This experience was memorable not just for its challenges but also for the lasting impact it had on me.

Challenges and Social Anxiety

The room was designed to fit 5 individuals but had 9 participants, which meant that resources and communication were stretched thin. My ADHD and processing issues meant that early on, I didn’t contribute effectively to the puzzle-solving process. This led to a sense of isolation and lack of communication from the team. By the halfway point, signaled by the game master, I was visibly struggling and even more anxious. My attempts to integrate myself into the group efforts were met with either a lack of attention or deliberate exclusion.

Throughout the experience, I stood in silence, holding back tears, and having tunnel vision on the time display. I was unable to communicate effectively, resulting in a heightened state of social anxiety. This episode reignited feelings of social anxiety I thought I had overcome. The situation was further compounded by the lack of empathy from those around me, particularly my trusty friend who failed to notice my distress.

Anxiety and Relevance

The experience left me questioning my relevance and value to the team. I felt like an outsider, as if my contributions were not wanted or needed. This insecurity led to a breakdown the moment our troop leader left. Through this reflection, I realized the importance of recognizing and addressing the needs of all participants, especially those with neurodivergent conditions.

Lessons Learned and Moving Forward

While the experience was certainly traumatic, it also taught me valuable lessons. It highlighted the importance of inclusivity and the need for better communication in escape rooms and team-building exercises. From this reflection, I encourage others who may find themselves in similar situations to approach such experiences with empathy and patience, recognizing that every individual brings unique strengths and challenges to the table.

In conclusion, while my worst escape room experience may have been difficult, it provided a invaluable learning experience, deepening my understanding of social dynamics and anxiety. It also reinforced the importance of creating inclusive environments that accommodate all participants.

Keywords: escape room, anxiety, team building, escape 101, girl scouts