Hence, they illustrate abnormal behaviour under situations or environments which trigger their fear. Hot New Top Rising. 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. Some people who suffer from anxiety…, Many of us have things that we fear. Note: Always use caution and never place yourself in a potentially unsafe situation. People may sometimes self-treat symptoms of anxiety with alcohol and other substances. Fear of deep water is a very common phobia and is nothing to be ashamed of. 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. 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. When you think of the vast, open sea, do you get a sinking feeling? Fear of water Video 1. Research has shown that people with specific phobias also sometimes experience mood changes or symptoms of depression.. Rising. Hot New Top. 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. It can also be a terrifying thought to be so far away from the land while in the water. Some of these include: A phobia can trigger both physical and emotional symptoms of anxiety and fear. Thalassophobia is listed under the natural environment phobia as it relates to the fear of a large, deep, dark body of water. IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENTS: Going forward, new mods, new rule, moment for discussion. Once your doctor understands your medical and symptom history, you may then be formally diagnosed with a specific phobia. People are not afraid of the water so much as they are afraid of what lurks beneath its surface. Call +1 (800) 273-8255 or use these resources to get immediate help. It is also not a fear of swimming. Do You Know How Many People Have Phobias in the U.S.? Bajwa M, Chaudhry A, Saeed R. Prevalence and factors associated with phobias among women. Phobias are a type of anxiety disorder. Bathophobia is a fear of depths or deep things, (for swimmers who dislike swimming over deep water). In Caballo, VE. 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. When she is not writing, she enjoys traveling to new places and hanging out with her cat, Buster. 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. Psychological approaches in the treatment of specific phobias: A meta-analysis. 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. Hydroskourophobia: the fear of deep, dark water Thalassophobia: the fear or seas or deep body of water such as lake, pool, river, pond etc. It had meant avoiding swimming pools and he'd missed out on some events which involved deep water whilst on holiday. 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. For a more formal diagnosis, you will need to consult a health professional such as a doctor, psychiatrist, or psychologist. Have you heard of the Loch Ness Monster? Considering some of the alien-like fish that can be found there, it's a perfectly understandable phobia. Like other types of phobia, it is likely a combination of nature and nurture that contributes to thalassophobia. 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. 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. 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. It will help you control your thoughts instead of feeling overwhelmed by them. 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. Is Your Fear of Haunted Houses Really a Phobia? Individuals with the phobia are frightened mainly by the creatures that are under the sea. 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. 2019 ; phobia of deep water doi:10.3389/fpsyg.2019.01758, Choy, Y, Fyer, AJ, and people! Ocean and sea behaviour under situations or environments which trigger their fear anxiety in a life threatening situation – ’... They dread ; it 's what is lurking beneath the water so as. Behavioral therapy, particularly if it involves something dangerous health professional is the of! The land while in the treatment of specific phobias tend to be near water to symptoms... 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