There is something undeniably unsettling about being out in the middle of the ocean, or a deep body of water. Crashing waves and flooding during a storm are frightening too. But this normal discomfort with intense water situations is not the same as having a phobia.
Aquaphobia, or fear of water, is a fairly common phobia. Like all phobias, it may vary dramatically in severity from person to person. Some people are only afraid of deep water or strong waves, while others fear swimming pools and bathtubs. It can be common or worse for people who cannot swim.
This phobia is different from Thalassophobia, which is specifically the fear of the ocean, this phobia is more generalized to a variety of exposures and interactions with water.
Some are afraid of entering the water, while others cannot bear to even look at a large body of water. Occasionally, aquaphobia is so pervasive that even being splashed or sprayed with water can cause a phobic reaction.
Causes
The most common cause of aquaphobia is a previous negative experience.1 If you have been through a near-drowning experience, shipwreck, or even a bad swimming lesson, you are more likely to develop a phobia of water.
Learning to swim is a rite of passage for many children, and frightening experiences are common. The way that these situations are handled plays a major role in determining whether a phobia will occur.
The negative experience need not have happened to you specifically. After the film Jaws was released in 1975, reports of water phobia, as well as shark phobia, increased dramatically.
Symptoms
Like all specific phobias, the symptoms of aquaphobia vary between sufferers. In general, the more severe the phobia, the more severe the symptoms will be. You might shake, freeze in place, or attempt to escape.
You may develop anticipatory anxiety in the days or weeks preceding an upcoming encounter with water. You might refuse to enter the water or begin panicking as soon as you step in.
Complications
Water is an innate part of human life. Swimming is a common activity at summer camps, on vacation, and at parties or social events. Avoiding water altogether may be difficult or awkward.
If your fear extends to water splashes and sprays, it can be even more life-limiting. Fountains are a decorating staple at theme parks, resorts, and even local malls. Some of these fountains perform elaborately choreographed water routines, which may splash bystanders. Water splashes are also a common effect in carnival rides and games.
In some cases, aquaphobia can lead to ablutophobia or fear of bathing.
This relatively rare phobia can also have a devastating impact on self-esteem. Modern culture places a heavy emphasis on cleanliness and hygiene, and those who do not take a daily shower or bath may be scorned. There is also an elevated risk of both common and rare diseases in those who allow dirt and bacteria to linger on their skin and hair.
Treatment
Like most specific phobias, aquaphobia responds quite well to treatment. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is especially popular. CBT will show you how to identify and replace negative self-talk with more positive messages. It will also teach you how to cope with your fear.
In the treatment of phobias, there is commonly a component of exposure. In order to accomplish this, the therapist can help you overcome your fear with incremental steps. For example, you may first be tasked with filling the bathtub with a few inches of water, then putting your hand in, and finally sitting in the bathtub with water in it.
Over time, a series of small successes will increase your confidence, allowing you to gradually add new water-related activities. If your phobia is severe, medications, hypnosis, and other forms of therapy may be used to help you get your fear under control.
The goal is for you to become comfortable around water, and there is no “one size fits all” treatment that works for everyone. Nonetheless, with the help of a skilled therapist, aquaphobia can be successfully managed and even overcome.
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