The Thalassophobia subreddit is a popular online community that has been active since 2013, boasting 1.2 million members who share their experiences and fears of bodies of water. The forum features an array of posts with breathtaking photos of sea creatures and waves that could cause destruction on a massive scale. Although I enjoy swimming in the ocean and lakes personally, I acknowledge that water can be dangerous, and one close encounter with drowning can serve as a reminder of its strength.
For those who are not familiar with thalassophobia, it is a specific phobia characterized by symptoms such as restlessness, feeling on edge or worried, inability to concentrate, irritability, muscle tension, sweating, increased heart rate, trembling, chest pain, a feeling of impending doom, a sense of loss of control, upset stomach, chills or hot flashes, and trouble sleeping. In a nutshell, it can severely affect a person’s quality of life.
If viewing the content on this list triggers any of these symptoms, it’s best to remove yourself from the situation as soon as possible. However, exposure therapy is one possible form of treatment to combat thalassophobia. Betterhelp suggests seeking professional help to identify your fears and find appropriate methods to expose yourself to them. For instance, taking swimming classes or visiting an aquarium may help you overcome your fear of deep water or sea creatures.
Remember, if you’re experiencing anxiety, discomfort, or fear surrounding this topic, know that you’re not alone, and there are ways to address your concerns with the help of professionals.
It is a very common thing for people to experience fear when it comes to bodies of water. The Cleveland Clinic reports that approximately 3% of Americans have a fear of water, and there are many other types of water-related phobias such as a fear of bathing, waves, underwater creatures or objects, submerged objects, and the ocean. These fears usually come from past traumatic events involving water, negative stories about water, family history, or being exposed to someone else who has similar fears.
Apart from individuals who have aquaphobia, many others experience fear when in deep water. According to Cision, 46% of American adults are scared when in a pool where the water goes beyond their head, while 64% of American adults experience fear in deep, open water. This response is natural as there is potential danger associated with being surrounded by water, and it’s crucial to be mindful of that. It’s essential to prioritize one’s safety and avoid being alone in deep water as unforeseen incidents can occur. If your fear stems from being unable to swim, don’t hesitate to address it! It’s never too late to learn how to swim and become more confident in water. Additionally, swimming is an enjoyable activity!
According to M. Ellen Dash, the CEO of Miracle Swimming for Adults in Sarasota, Florida, people have a desire to learn how to swim. Unfortunately, many individuals fail in their swimming lessons due to panic attacks. These attacks often occur during the learning process and are considered as a normal part of it. However, this emotional pain can be overwhelming and cause students to quit their lessons. When they decide to try and learn again years later, they are met with the same system that caused them harm in the first place. To break this cycle, Dash suggests finding a program that works for you. It is perfectly normal to be afraid of water, but everyone needs to know how to swim.
