Thalassophobia: Symptoms, Causes and Treatment

Thalassophobia is a specific Phobia or Fear of large water bodies like the Sea, Ocean, Lakes etc. It is generally known as the dread of the ocean or huge bodies of water. It is an irrational dread that can leave sufferers with high levels of anxiety, panic episodes, and anti-social behaviours. It is estimated that thalassophobia affects about 8% of the general population.

What is Thalassophobia?

Fear of the sea or big huge amounts of water is referred to as thalassophobia. A specific phobia is an unreasonable dread of a particular thing or circumstance. When they are close to the ocean or other huge bodies of water, people with thalassophobia may experience anxiety, panic episodes, or avoidance behaviours. Several things, such as unpleasant prior experiences with water, worry about drowning or other tragedies involving water, and ignorance or lack of knowledge about the ocean, might contribute to a phobia of the ocean or big bodies of water. It can also be brought on by more widespread anxieties, like the dread of the unknown or the fear of losing control. 

How Common is Thalassophobia?

Thalassophobia is not a disorder that is diagnosed or reported in the same way as other mental health conditions, making it challenging to ascertain its actual prevalence. However, it is estimated that up to 10% of the population may have a specific phobia at some point throughout their lives, making phobias a rather prevalent condition. People who have had unpleasant encounters with water, such as near-drowning accidents or other traumatic situations, may be more likely to develop thalassophobia. People who have had little contact with the water and live in landlocked places may also experience it more frequently.

What are the Symptoms of Thalassophobia?

Although the signs and symptoms of thalassophobia might differ from person to person, here are some of them:

Anxiety

When they are near the ocean or other huge bodies of water, or when they are thinking about or anticipating being near water, people with thalassophobia may feel anxious. Physical signs of this anxiousness may include sweating, trembling, or a beating heart.

Depressive moods

When they’re near the ocean or other vast bodies of water, some thalassophobics may have panic episodes. An extreme episode of anxiety known as a panic attack can come on suddenly and include symptoms including rapid breathing, chest pain, and a sense of impending doom.

Avoidance tactics

Thalassophobics may make an effort to stay away from circumstances that call for being close to the ocean or other huge bodies of water. They could refrain from visiting the beach, taking part in water sports, or visiting locations close to the ocean.

Concentration issues

While a person has thalassophobia, it may be difficult for them to concentrate on other duties when they are near the ocean or other huge bodies of water.

Sleeping problems

Some people may have trouble going to sleep or keeping asleep due to their dread of the ocean or other huge bodies of water, especially if they plan to be close to water soon.

What Causes Thalassophobia?

Numerous reasons can contribute to thalassophobia, including:

Previous bad Water Encounters

People who have experienced traumatic or traumatically close-to-drowning encounters with water may become thalassophobic as a result. Even when they are safe and in a controlled atmosphere, these unpleasant experiences might make people afraid of being near or in water.

Lack of Comprehension of the Ocean

Thalassophobia is a fear of the ocean or other big bodies of water that can develop in those who have limited experience with them or knowledge about them. This apprehension may be stoked by false beliefs about the water or by a generalized apprehension of the unknown.

Common phobias

More prevalent phobias, such as the fear of the unknown or the fear of losing control, maybe the root of thalassophobia. When people are in strange settings, these anxieties could get worse.

Fear of Drowning or Other Accidents Involving Water

Thalassophobia is a condition that some people have as a result of a fear of drowning or other water-related mishaps. Lack of education or experience with water safety and rescue measures, as well as a generalized dread of losing control of the water, may be the source of this phobia.

What Triggers Thalassophobia?

Following are some examples of typical thalassophobia triggers:

• Being close to an ocean or other large bodies of water: In some people, just being close to the ocean or other huge bodies of water can cause thalassophobia. This can entail visiting a beach, taking a boat ride, or even just viewing images or videos of the ocean.
• Seeing pictures or videos of the sea or other vast bodies of water: Some people may develop thalassophobia when exposed to photographs or recordings of the ocean or other big bodies of water, particularly if they show dangerous conditions such as rough waves.
• Having heard about water-related mishaps or tragedies: Some people may develop thalassophobia when they hear about water-related tragedies or accidents, such as drownings or shipwrecks, particularly if they already have a fear of drowning or other water-related calamities.
• Expecting to be close to the ocean or other major bodies of water: Thalassophobia may be brought on by thinking about or anticipating being close to the sea or other huge bodies of water in certain people. This could entail arranging a beach vacation or even just imagining yourself beside the water.

How is Thalassophobia Diagnosed?

The mental health professional will normally perform a complete evaluation to identify thalassophobia, which may include:

• Physical examination: To rule out any underlying physical disorders that might be the source of the symptoms, the mental health expert may carry out a physical examination.
• A psychological assessment: The mental health specialist will inquire about the person’s symptoms, ideas, and actions about the ocean or other huge bodies of water. The person’s physical and mental health background and any prior experiences with water may also be brought up.
• A diagnostic evaluation: A diagnostic instrument, such as the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), may be used by the mental health professional to help identify the specific phobia and rule out other mental health issues.

Is There an Effective Treatment for Thalassophobia?

Therapy, such as cognitive-behavioural treatment (CBT) or exposure therapy, is frequently used to treat thalassophobia. These treatments can assist those who suffer from thalassophobia in learning coping mechanisms to control their anxiety and lessen their fear of the sea or other vast bodies of water.

Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy 

The goal of cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) is to recognize and alter unhelpful thought and behaviour patterns. It can assist those who have thalassophobia in recognizing and challenging their unfavourable thoughts about the ocean or other huge bodies of water and in creating more sensible and uplifting attitudes. During CBT, the therapist will work with the patient to identify their unfavourable thoughts and beliefs about the ocean or other huge bodies of water and assist them in changing these views to ones that are more reasonable and constructive. Along with teaching the patient how to confront and re-frame their negative ideas, the therapist may also assist the patient in developing coping mechanisms for managing their anxiety, such as deep breathing or progressive muscle relaxation.

Exposure Therapy

In a supervised and safe atmosphere, exposure therapy gradually exposes patients to the circumstance or things they are afraid of. By progressively exposing themselves to the ocean or other vast bodies of water, it can assist those with thalassophobia get over their fear. It is founded on the idea that people can learn to manage their anxiety and lessen their fear by gradually increasing exposure to the dreaded object or scenario.

Meditation

In some circumstances, medication may also be utilized to assist in managing the thalassophobia symptoms. By promoting calmness and mindfulness, meditation can assist people with thalassophobia lower their anxiety and stress levels. When people encounter their feared circumstance or object, like the ocean or big bodies of water, this can be extremely useful. Their ability to focus and concentrate better will be beneficial when attempting to control their worry and terror.

Wrapping Up

The dread of the ocean or big expanses of water is known as thalassophobia. It is a particular phobia that, in people who have it, can result in substantial anxiety, panic episodes, and avoidance behaviours. Several things, such as unpleasant past experiences with the sea, a fear of drowning or other accidents involving the water, and a lack of information or comprehension of the ocean, might contribute to thalassophobia. Additionally, it may be brought on by more widespread phobias like the fear of the unknown or the fear of losing control.

FAQ’s on Thalassophobia 

Q1. What is Thalassophobia?

Ans: Fear of the sea or big quantities of water is referred to as thalassophobia. A specific phobia is an unreasonable dread of a particular thing or circumstance. When they are close to the ocean or other huge bodies of water, people with thalassophobia may experience anxiety, panic episodes, or avoidance behaviours.

Q2. What Causes Thalassophobia?

Ans: Thalassophobia can be brought on by several things, such as prior negative experiences with water, a fear of drowning or other accidents involving water, and a lack of knowledge or understanding about the ocean. It can also be brought on by more widespread anxieties, like the dread of the unknown or the fear of losing control.

Q3. How Common is Thalassophobia?

Ans: It is estimated that up to 10% of the population may have a specific phobia at some point throughout their lives, making phobias in general a rather prevalent condition.

Q4. What are the Symptoms of Thalassophobia?

Ans: Anxiety, panic episodes, avoidance behaviours, trouble focusing, and trouble sleeping are a few signs of thalassophobia.

Q5. How is Thalassophobia Diagnosed?

Ans: A mental health specialist, like a psychologist or psychiatrist, will often diagnose thalassophobia. A full evaluation by a mental health specialist will be performed, and it may involve a physical examination, psychological assessment, and diagnostic evaluation.