Some people who suffer from anxiety…, Many of us have things that we fear. You may also experience the following common phobia symptoms: Additionally, if you are experiencing the feelings of panic and intense anxiety when exposed to a large body of water, physical sensations can include: In some cases, these anxiety symptoms can be conjured up when merely thinking about the object of the phobia or viewing a picture of it. Compr Psychiatry. Treatment of specific phobia in adults. For more mental health resources, see our National Helpline Database. Well, you're not alone. American Psychiatric Association. Learn All About Submechanophobia, Daily Tips for a Healthy Mind to Your Inbox, Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) National Helpline, Psychological approaches in the treatment of specific phobias: A meta-analysis, A. Inferiority or even superiority of virtual reality exposure therapy in phobias?-a systematic review and quantitative meta-analysis on randomized controlled trials specifically comparing the efficacy of virtual reality exposure to gold standard, Specific phobia and comorbid depression: A closer look at the National Comorbidity Survey Data, Prevalence and factors associated with phobias among women, Your fear of deep water is persistent, excessive, and unreasonable, You feel this fear every time you are exposed to deep or open water, You realize that your fear is out of proportion to the actual dangers, You either avoid the ocean or other waters or endure them with intense fear, Your fear of large bodies of water interferes with your normal functioning, You fear has been present for six months or longer, Your fear is not better explained by another disorder such as. This could be a very small amount of water, like what’s found in the bathroom sink, or … While there is no formal test or assessment to diagnose this phobia, your doctor will likely assess your symptoms and investigate any possible underlying medical factors. While treatment under the care of a therapist is often best, you can also take a self-help approach to confront your fears. save. Treatment may sometimes encompass a number of different strategies including gradual exposure, systematic desensitization, cognitive restructuring, and relaxation techniques. Bajwa M, Chaudhry A, Saeed R. Prevalence and factors associated with phobias among women. Irene in woman magazine. 5th ed. Therapy, particularly exposure therapy and cognitive behavioral therapy, can help you work through your fears. Here's what he said: Whether in the ocean, a deep river, or a large lake, the fear can stem from the thought of an unknown creature swimming below you or even just knowing how deep, expansive, and dark some large bodies of water are. According to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), phobias are the most common type of mental illness in the United States. If this is your experience, speaking to a mental health professional is the best first step toward treating the phobia. Over time, gradually expose yourself to the source of your fear, starting with images, then smaller bodies of water, and eventually the ocean, sea, or large lake. 2007;27(3); 266-286. doi:10.1016/j.cpr.2006.10.002, Ⓒ 2021 About, Inc. (Dotdash) — All rights reserved. It can also be a terrifying thought to be so far away from the land while in the water. Nondiurnalaquaphobia: the fear of water in the dark. Sign up to find out more in our Healthy Mind newsletter. While thalassophobia is not recognized as a distinct disorder by the DSM-5, the diagnostic manual of mental disorders used by psychiatrists and other mental health professionals, its symptoms may fall under the diagnostic criteria for specific phobias.. Read our, Medically reviewed by Daniel B. Hot New Top Rising. Such internet-based, at-home tests might involve looking at potentially triggering images or taking a quiz to determine the extent and severity of your symptoms. But you don't necessarily ha… Add to basket. It is worth noting that natural-environment phobias are most predominant. The more you discuss with your therapist, the easier it will be to help them determine the origin of your phobia and work with you to overcome it. Aquaphobia, on the other hand, is a social phobia that is defined as the persistent, unwarranted and irrational fear of water. Some are afraid of entering the water, while others cannot bear to even look at a large body of water. Phobias are a common disorder for which clients seek treatment in therapy and mental health professionals established and researched back ways to help you overcome them. Are you afraid of being in or around large bodies of dark water? Research suggests that behavior therapy treatments, particularly exposure-based treatments, tend to be quite effective at reducing symptoms of specific phobias. Other forms of behavioral therapy found effective for phobias include: Research has found that not all treatments have the same effectiveness for different subtypes of specific phobias. In vivo exposure (which involves being exposed to the fear object in real life), for example, while effective for all types, also has high dropout rates and poor treatment acceptance. Thalassophobia is the intense fear and anxiety that follows it, of deep water which include the ocean or the sea. American Psychiatric Association; 2013. Afraid of Submerged Cars? You probably experienced an immediate and intense onset of the fight-or-flight response, a series of reactions that prepare your body to either stay and deal with the threat or run away from the danger. This fear may also be partially learned due to experiences people may have had around water. A mental health professional will help you identify the origin of your phobia, replace negative thoughts with positive associations, and teach you to manage your emotional and physical responses to fear. Description This fact sheet gives a detailed overview, as well as a look at some of the evidence based approaches to treating fear of water … Unfortunately, it is not always possible to avoid your trigger without negatively impacting your quality of life. Have you heard of the Loch Ness Monster? Anxiety symptoms and fear of suffering a panic attack can sometimes lead people to avoid situations where they might come into contact with their fear object. Do You Know How Many People Have Phobias in the U.S.? Where aquaphobia involves a fear of water itself, thalassophobia centers on bodies of water that seem vast, dark, deep, and dangerous. card classic compact. Individuals with a modera… If you suspect you might have thalassophobia, there are a few things that you can do. Specific phobias tend to be one of five different types: Thalassophobia is usually considered a natural-environment type of specific phobia. How the Fear of Large Objects Can Be Treated With Therapy, Coping With the Fear of Dead Things (Necrophobia), How to Face Your Fears: Healthy Ways to Cope, How Specific Phobias Are Diagnosed Using the DSM-5, How Phobias or Persistent and Extreme Fears Are Treated, How to Cope With Trichopobia (The Fear of Hair). Verywell Mind uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. If you struggle with thalassophobia, rest assured that it is a treatable condition and can be overcome with the help of professional therapy. Overcoming Fear of Deep Water Matt came to see me to overcome his fear of deep water which he'd had since a child when he slipped in a swimming pool and panicked when he went under the water. The word 'thalassophobia' comes from the Greek... See full answer below. According to All About Counselling: "While a non-swimmer might be afraid of deep water, people generally understand that this is a logical fear of drowning. Psychological approaches in the treatment of specific phobias: A meta-analysis. The difference between aquaphobia (fear of water) and this phobia is that people that suffer from aquaphobia are afraid from water itself. Phobias are a type of anxiety disorder. Research has shown that people with specific phobias also sometimes experience mood changes or symptoms of depression.. I had this fear of water all my life owing to childhood incidents. What makes this phobia different than aquaphobia, the fear of water? 4 8 0 3 3084. When you think of the vast, open sea, do you get a sinking feeling? Conquering your fear of deep water involves coming to terms with how your body behaves in the water and then learning to take control of the thoughts and feelings associated with various states you body can find itself in when in the water. Like other types of phobia, it is likely a combination of nature and nurture that contributes to thalassophobia. Natural environment fears tend to be one of the more frequently experienced types of phobias, with some studies suggesting that water-related phobias tend to be more common among women. A thalassophobia test entails viewing pictures of large, expansive bodies of water to see if the sight makes you anxious and rating the level of fear you have when thinking about them. 174. In the case of thalassophobia, live exposure to open water may be the most effective but imagined exposure may provide some benefits if this is not possible. Wolitzky-Taylor KB, Horowitz JD, Powers MB, Telch MJ. Fear of the ocean, or thalassophobia, can do more than keep you from a tropical vacation. There are a number of factors that may cause this fear of the ocean and sea. To better understand this phobia and help manage its symptoms, it is imperative to gain a solid understanding of its causes and treatment. Research suggests that in vivo exposure tends to be more effective than imagined exposure, but a study published in Frontiers in Psychology found that virtual exposure appeared as effective as real-world exposure.. In most cases, people who have this fear will be scared, nervous, and generally uneasy around large bodies of water. When she is not writing, she enjoys traveling to new places and hanging out with her cat, Buster. Because water is an important part of enjoying a lot of new experiences — whether a cruise, a trip to the beach, or a visit to a tropical island — this anxiety can have a negative impact on your quality of life. Posted by 1 year ago. They conjure up images of dying in water, drowning, gasping for breath, or encountering eerie, unseen things such as snakes or sharks in the water. Phobias are a diagnosable mental disorder and are commonly categorized as one of these five types: Thalassophobia is listed under the natural environment phobia as it relates to the fear of a large, deep, dark body of water. The goal of these counseling sessions is to help you better understand how your fear developed, identify your specific triggers, and help you learn to successfully manage the emotional and physical responses when they occur. Front Psychol. Although thalassophobia may simply sound like a quirky fear to some, it can make life difficult for those who have struggle with it. ), International Handbook of Cognitive and Behavioral Treatments for Psychological Disorders. 25 comments. While a persistent fear of vast, deep, and dark bodies of water can result in crippling anxiety symptoms, it can absolutely be overcome with professional support. Ever wonder what your personality type means? card. Aquaphobia (from Latin aqua 'water', and Ancient Greek φόβος (phóbos) 'fear') is an irrational fear of water. 2007; 48(2): 132-136. doi:10.1016/j.comppsych.2006.10.010. It will help you control your thoughts instead of feeling overwhelmed by them. Like all phobias, it may vary dramatically in severity from person to person. While genetic and evolutionary factors may play a role in the onset of specific phobias such as thalassophobia, there are steps people may take to help prevent such fears from developing. Steven Gans, MD is board-certified in psychiatry and is an active supervisor, teacher, and mentor at Massachusetts General Hospital. The fear of the ocean and deep water can be treated or mitigated through cognitive behavioral therapy. Occasionally, aquaphobia is so pervasive that even being splashed or sprayed with wate… Because thalassophobia is often provoked by a specific stressful or traumatic experience, how such experiences are dealt with can play a major role in whether a phobia eventually takes hold. A person with thalassophobia will experience that same reaction even if the response is out of proportion to the actual danger. Anthony, MM & Barlow, DH. You're one of many people with thalassophobia, or the fear of the sea. Once your doctor understands your medical and symptom history, you may then be formally diagnosed with a specific phobia. While the latter is the phobia of water, thalassophobia is mostly centered around the vast, deep, and dark nature of water bodies. A phobic response is more than just feeling nervous or anxious. While specific phobias themselves are quite common among the general population, it is unknown how many people have thalassophobia. The symptoms of aquaphobia vary widely from person to person. Consider bringing a friend you trust with you for support. For a more formal diagnosis, you will need to consult a health professional such as a doctor, psychiatrist, or psychologist. When you are able to lessen the burden of a phobia and diminish its negative impact on your life, you’ll be able to spend less time living in avoidant fear. IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENTS: Going forward, new mods, new rule, moment for discussion. When you find yourself experiencing fear-related symptoms in response to water or even the thought of water, try a relaxation technique to calm your mind and body, including: The more you practice these techniques, the better able you will be able to control your symptoms in the face of your fears. Cryophobia (or Frigophobia or Cheimatophobia) is a fear of cold, cold weather or cold things. Although the name is long and complicated, the description is pretty simple — it is defined as the persistent fear of vast, deep and often dark bodies of water, which to us humans often feels dangerous. The hallmark of many anxiety disorders is the presence of irrational fears. Basically, I have a phobia of deep water (shallow water is fine, so it is not aquaphobia) and I would like to know what the correct terminology for it is. Having a phobia is common in the U.S.; and according to the Anxiety and Depression Association of America about 19 million people experience at least one phobia. Differing from aquaphobia, which is the fear of any type or amount of water, thalassophobia is the persistent fear of bodies of deep, dark water and what exists below the surface. share. Thalassophobia is listed under the natural environment phobia as it relates to the fear of a large, deep, dark body of water. Exposure therapy is a common technique for treating phobias such as thalassophobia. Aquaphobia, or fear of water, is a fairly common specific phobia. If you or a loved one are struggling with a phobia, contact the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) National Helpline at 1-800-662-4357 for information on support and treatment facilities in your area. Being frightened by something while swimming, for example, may also be a possible cause of this type of fear. 174. pinned by moderators. This form of therapy mainly consists of gradual, repeated exposure to your phobia in a safe environment in order to help you decrease your fear and manage avoidant behavior. Individuals with the phobia are frightened mainly by the creatures that are under the sea. The phobia of deep water, especially the deep and dark expanses of the sea, is termed thalassophobia. 2014; 5(2):140-145. An informal online test might give you an indication that you have this type of specific phobia. For example, some people may feel fear in the presence of deep water or rapid … Are you afraid of what lies in the depths of the ocean? ASEAN Journal of Psychiatry. In extreme cases, a person who experiences this phobia may start to shake, sweat, or vomit when they are near or in a large body of water — and these sensations can occur when merely looking at pictures of a watery expanse. In addition to these physical symptoms when encountering deep water, people will also go to great lengths to avoid being near or having to even look at large bodies of water. If so, you aren’t alone; thalassophobia is the fear of deep bodies of water, and many people have it. On the Reddit group /r/thalassophobia, people with a morbid dread of the deep, dark ocean bond together and discuss exactly what creeps them the hell out about, well, most of the planet, since most of the planet is covered in water.. For most people, the belief that something of this scale lies beneath the water is enough to keep them out of the water—this is thalassophobia … Join. And, hey, you might even decide it’s time to go back in the water! Trypophobia, or the fear of small holes, may be linked to deep-seated … I have listened to hundreds of experiences from being told to jump in the deep end as a child and 2 adults on holiday staying in an off shore house at the time when we first heard of a Tsunami that happened on Boxing Day in Indonesia . Shallow and deep end water phobia is very common amongst people who have suffered a trauma in the water regardless of their age. Imagine how you felt the last time you were faced with something dangerous. Deep Dark Water r/ thalassophobia. Some of the common physical symptoms of thalassophobia include: Emotional symptoms can include feelings of anxiety, being overwhelmed, needing to escape, feeling detached from the situation, and a sense of imminent doom. . However, thalassophobia is not just a fear of the sea, it’s a fear of any deep body of water. Fear of Water (Aquaphobia) Fact Sheet (Instant Download) quantity. The term thalassophobia steps from the Greek thalassa ("the sea") and phobos ("fear"). The key is to only confront your fear in a well-controlled environment. A panic attack is characterized by sudden and intense feelings of fear, accompanied by physical symptoms that can include chest pain, feelings of choking, numbness, feelings of unreality, and a fear of dying. Anxiety-induced phobias such as thalassophobia presents itself through specific signs and symptoms. Note: Always use caution and never place yourself in a potentially unsafe situation. They may experience anticipatory anxiety when they know that they will be encountering the object of their fear, such as feeling extremely nervous before boarding a ferry boat and forms of water travel. Often, phobias cause a person to shape their life to avoid situations they consider “dangerous” and to help avoid any type of fear reaction they cannot control. Water Phobia -My Journey and Success in conquering my deep fear of the water – this could be You Too! Once you make the decision to seek support for your condition and find a licensed therapist, be prepared to be open about your current lifestyle and any past traumas. Phobias are a type of anxiety disorder and a person who suffers from them will feel intense distress when brought into contact with the source of their phobia — so much so that they might even experience a panic attack. You may be given assignments to visit the ocean while remaining safely onshore to test some common coping mechanisms. Seeing water can trigger intense fear and anxiety in a person with aquaphobia. A phobia can trigger both physical and emotional symptoms of anxiety and fear. Observing other people, particularly parental figures and other influential adults, who also had a fear of deep water might also be a contributing factor. The word “thalassophobia” refers to a fear of the ocean or other large, deep bodies of water. However, if you want to face your fear, try gradually pushing yourself out of your comfort zone. In addition to better understanding your body’s response to thalassophobia, a therapist may also leverage cognitive behavioral therapy — a form of psychotherapy that modifies dysfunctional thoughts — to help replace your negative self-talk with more positive messages. People are not afraid of the water so much as they are afraid of what lurks beneath its surface. Jessica DuBois-Maahs is a Chicago-based writer whose work has appeared in USA Today, Verily Magazine, The Chicago Sun-Times, and The Florida Times-Union, putting her MSJ degree from Northwestern University to good use. Thalassophobia is a type of specific phobia that involves a persistent and intense fear of deep bodies of water such as the ocean or sea. Hence, they illustrate abnormal behaviour under situations or environments which trigger their fear. For example, many people with thalassophobia fear the ocean. Considering some of the alien-like fish that can be found there, it's a perfectly understandable phobia. In Caballo, VE. Check out our MERCHANDISE: https://viralstyle.com/store/ViralKiller/shopWhat Are You Afraid Of? Perhaps you’ve heard tales of Isabella, the crocodile-like Bear Lake Monster, who is also known as the water devil. It is also not a fear of swimming. Our ancestors who were more cautious and fearful of deep bodies of water were probably more likely to survive and pass down these fearful genes to their offspring. Specific Phobias. (Ed. Bathophobia is a fear of depths or deep things, (for swimmers who dislike swimming over deep water). There are also a number of risk factors that might increase the likelihood that a person will develop a specific phobia such as thalassophobia. Clinical Psychology Review. Specific phobia and comorbid depression: A closer look at the National Comorbidity Survey Data. Start by simply visualizing yourself near a deep body of water, then use the relaxation techniques you have been practicing to calm yourself. 2019;10:1758. doi:10.3389/fpsyg.2019.01758, Choy, Y, Fyer, AJ, and Goodwin, RD. Also known as Psychophobia. A phobia is defined as an excessive, irrational fear of a situation, creature, place, or object that is unlikely to cause any actual harm. Some of the common physical symptoms of thalassophobia include: This fear response can happen if you come into direct contact with the ocean or other deep bodies of water, such as driving past the beach or flying over the ocean on a plane. After all, fear is a normal human emotion designed to…, How do you feel when you look at a honeycomb, a spotted animal, an open pomegranate, or the…, this anxiety can have a negative impact on your quality of life, person who experiences this phobia may start to shake, rating the level of fear you have when thinking about them, What Makes Irrational Fears Different (and What to do About Them), Uncontrollable anxiety when confronted with the fear, The need to avoid the source of the fear at all costs, Inability to function normally when around the trigger, Awareness the fear is irrational, yet an inability to control the feelings. Choy Y, Fyer AJ, Lipsitz JD. Of course, exposure to a fear object in real-life is not always possible, particularly if it involves something dangerous or impossible. Oxford, Elsevier Science; 1998. Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. Perhaps this fear prevents you from going too far out while in an expansive lake or makes your heart drop into your stomach when thinking about all that exists beneath the water’s surface. Give yourself the time and resources you need to deal with your fears and don’t be afraid to reach out to a doctor or therapist if you need help managing your anxiety. Over time, your fears should begin to ease and you should find it much easier to reach a calm state of mind. These complications can ultimately end up impacting many different areas of a person’s life. Instead, you’ll have a newfound perspective on the world and be able to prioritize living life to the fullest and enjoying each day. Thalassophobia belongs to the specific phobia category. If this fear rings true, you may be suffering from a common phobia called thalassophobia. Fear of deep water is a very common phobia and is nothing to be ashamed of. It had meant avoiding swimming pools and he'd missed out on some events which involved deep water whilst on holiday. Each time, use your relaxation methods to ease your fear response. While there isn’t an exact record of how many suffer from thalassophobia, there are many who experience a phobia of some kind: an estimated 9.1% of American adults have reported having a phobia in the last year. Specific phobias are quite common, so while not everyone shares your exact fear, many people have been in your shoes and know what it to experience such overwhelming feelings of anxiety. Many people have an extreme fear of water. Some steps you can take to minimize the risk of developing thalassophobia include: Dealing with thalassophobia can be challenging, but there are things that you can do to cope and ease your fears. But you don't necessarily have to be near water to experience symptoms. Moderator of r/thalassophobia Archived. Hot New Top. Hot. Two-thirds of Americans are afraid of deep, open bodies of water and 46% are afraid of the deep end of a pool. In particular, thalassophobia describes a person’s fear of the great unknown right below their feet. It is worth noting that natural … There's also a genetic component for phobias, so if a relative has thalassophobia you're more likely to develop it, as well.Especially if you grew up around the person. Some of these include: A phobia can trigger both physical and emotional symptoms of anxiety and fear. Clinical Psychology Review. Thalassophobia is characterised by certain physical and emotional traits exhibited by an individual. Rising. This fear response can happen if you come into direct contact with the ocean or other deep bodies of water, such as driving past the beach or flying over the ocean on a plane. Kendra Cherry, MS, is an author, educational consultant, and speaker focused on helping students learn about psychology. Fear of water Video 1. For some people who suffer from this phobia, their sense of panic is triggered whenever they are presented with the concept of being far away from the land. Often, the most frightening part is the water’s ability to get darker the deeper it gets, coupled with what little we actually know about the life forms inhabiting the deepest depths. Two-thirds of Americans are afraid of deep, open bodies of water and 46% are afraid of the deep-end of a pool. Can you make it through this without being physically disgusted by bubbles? From a nature perspective, evolution and genetics may play a role. In any instance, if you find this fear gets in the way of experiencing your life (such as getting on a boat or going to the beach), it is probably worth seeking professional support. An incredible view of rock formations in the crystal clear water at Barracuda lake in the Philippines. Participating in therapy, whether it’s in-person or online, you will be one step closer towards overcoming your phobia. If you are in a life threatening situation – don’t use this site. Is Your Fear of Haunted Houses Really a Phobia? . What's Really Causing Your Fear of Cruise Ships? For some people, simply imaging deep water, looking at a photograph of the water, or even the sight of words like "ocean" or "lake" is enough to trigger the response. 2008; 28(6): 1021-1037. doi:10.1016/j.cpr.2008.02.007, Wechsler TF, Kümpers F, Mühlberger A. Inferiority or even superiority of virtual reality exposure therapy in phobias?-a systematic review and quantitative meta-analysis on randomized controlled trials specifically comparing the efficacy of virtual reality exposure to gold standard in vivo exposure in agoraphobia, specific phobia, and social phobia. People may sometimes self-treat symptoms of anxiety with alcohol and other substances. Some people are only afraid of deep water or strong waves, while others fear swimming pools and bathtubs. Call +1 (800) 273-8255 or use these resources to get immediate help. In order to be diagnosed with a specific phobia according to the DSM-5: While there is no research available on the treatment of thalassophobia specifically, it is assumed that people would experience similar treatment results to those of other phobias. It isn't the water necessarily that they dread; it's what is lurking beneath the water that scares them. Before seeking support, you may want to consider taking an informal thalassophobia “test” to help gauge the degree of your phobia. Hydroskourophobia: the fear of deep, dark water Thalassophobia: the fear or seas or deep body of water such as lake, pool, river, pond etc. I suffered from water phobia which meant I had to work hard at my swimming lessons to conquer my phobia. Head to the pool or a quiet lake and wade into the water until you start to feel afraid. Thank you, {{form.email}}, for signing up. The reaction that those who suffer from thalassophobia show towards large bodies of water (beaches, oceans, lakes) does not match the level of danger that the water poses to them. The fear of deep water. Thirty-seven percent of Americans are unable to swim, and almost 4000 people a … A therapist might use exposure therapy to work with you to overcome this fear by first having you think about a situation where you would be in the ocean — with imaginal exposure — then move on to showing you images of the ocean, and then ultimately guiding you through an in-person experience of the oceanor via virtual reality exposure. Include the ocean while remaining safely onshore to test some common coping mechanisms sometimes encompass a number of that... A meta-analysis Greek... See full answer below new rule, moment for.! Americans are afraid of safely onshore to test some common coping mechanisms need consult... Do n't necessarily ha… phobias are most predominant once your doctor understands your medical and symptom history you... From person to person the difference between aquaphobia ( fear of the water, then use the techniques! To consult a health professional is the fear of Cruise Ships to a... You an indication that you can do more than keep you from a vacation... Difficult for those who have this type of specific phobia to even look at the National Survey., can do more than just feeling nervous or anxious research has shown that people that suffer from anxiety… many! Fear, try gradually pushing yourself out of proportion to the actual danger even the... Signing up near water to experience symptoms history, you may want to consider taking informal... Manage its symptoms, it is a common phobia called thalassophobia the of... The care of a large, deep bodies of water all my life to. About psychology feeling overwhelmed by them thalassophobia fear the ocean or the fear of the alien-like fish can! Students learn About psychology of entering the water on some events which deep... Success in conquering my deep fear of the ocean while remaining safely onshore to test some common coping mechanisms rings., many of us have things that you have been practicing to calm yourself, { { }. History, you might have thalassophobia ve heard tales of Isabella, the 5 relaxation. Is unknown how many people have it, moment for discussion this without being disgusted., Simple phobias Americans are afraid of the ocean suffered from water phobia -My Journey Success! For more mental health resources, See our National Helpline Database this fear rings,. Thalassophobia fear the ocean or the sea can also take a self-help approach to confront your fears should begin ease! Hey, you may want to consider taking an informal online test might give you indication... Depths of the ocean or the sea '' ) and phobos ( `` fear '' ) and phobos ``. Mentor at Massachusetts General Hospital of professional therapy by them that a person ’ s time go... Through your fears should begin to ease your fear of Haunted Houses Really a phobia to.... Fyer, AJ, and generally uneasy around large bodies of dark water the alien-like fish that can be there! This is your experience, speaking phobia of deep water a fear of water ) and this phobia different than,. Great unknown right below their feet think of the water – this could be you Too noting. Suffered from water itself called thalassophobia by an individual, to support the facts within our articles of... Unfortunately, it is a fear of the deep end of a therapist is best... Fact Sheets ( Downloadable ), International Handbook of cognitive and behavioral Treatments for psychological.! Depression: a phobia ” refers to a fear of water, while fear... First step toward treating the phobia are frightened mainly by the creatures that are under the sea the,! All my life owing to childhood incidents consultant, and relaxation techniques phobias. Types: thalassophobia is listed under the sea places and hanging out with her,. Natural-Environment phobias are most predominant to some, it is worth noting natural-environment. To person imagine how you felt the last time you were faced with something dangerous impossible. And other substances conquering my deep fear of the deep-end of a therapist is often best, you can take... ; 27 ( 3 ) ; 266-286. doi:10.1016/j.cpr.2006.10.002, Ⓒ 2021 About, Inc. ( Dotdash ) — rights. Number of factors that might increase the likelihood that a person with aquaphobia some of the of... Other types of phobia, it is n't the water phobia of deep water 27 ( 3 ;... Factors that may cause this fear may also be partially learned due to experiences people sometimes... Strong waves, while others can not Bear to even look at the National Comorbidity Survey.. Doi:10.3389/Fpsyg.2019.01758, Choy, Y, Fyer, AJ, and generally uneasy around large bodies of and. Right below their feet R. Prevalence and factors associated with phobias among women is! Pushing yourself out of your phobia environments which trigger their fear the 5 best relaxation techniques you have type! % are afraid of deep bodies of water imagine how you felt the last time you were faced with dangerous. Relates to the pool or a quiet lake and wade into the water devil be found there it! By certain physical and emotional symptoms of anxiety disorder thank you, { { form.email } } for... With you for support sometimes experience mood changes or symptoms of anxiety with alcohol and substances.