People face an extreme, irrational and persistent threat of water known as ‘aquaphobia’. It’s a fairly common fear which differs in severity from person to person. Traveling through waterways, going near swimming pools, water bodies or even entering a bathtub might seem life threatening to some people.

Aquaphobia is a specific phobia. This is an irrational fear of something that doesn’t cause much danger. You may have aquaphobia if you find that any source of water causes you an excessive amount of anxiety. This can include a swimming pool, a lake, an ocean, or even a bathtub.

The most common cause of aquaphobia is a previous negative experience. 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 word “thalassophobia” refers to a fear of the ocean or other large, deep bodies of water. Thalassophobia is different from aquaphobia, which is a fear of water itself. Aquaphobia can include a fear of being in any body of water, including small ones.

Some of the more common symptoms of aquaphobia include: an immediate feeling of intense fear, anxiety, and panic when thinking about water. a persistent, excessive, or unreasonable fear when exposed to water. recognizing that the fear of water is excessive or out of proportion to the actual threat.

Aquaphobia is highly treatable. Exposure therapy and CBT are effective treatments that help reduce feelings of fear, anxiety, and panic in people with specific phobias.