HOW TO OVERCOME FEAR OF WATER
CAUSES, SYMPTOMS, AND TREATMENT
Aquaphobia, or
concern of water, could be a fairly common specific phobic neurosis. Like all
phobias, it may vary dramatically in severity from person to person. Some
individuals area unit solely fearful of trouble or robust waves, while others
fear swimming pools and bathtubs. Some area unit fearful of getting into 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 reason behind simple phobia could be a
previous negative expertise. If you have got been through a near-drowning,
shipwreck, or other scary occurrence in the water, you are more likely to
develop a phobia of water. Learning to swim could be a ceremony of passage for
several kids, 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 expertise needn't have happened to you
specifically. After the film Jaws was released in 1975, reports of water
phobia, as well as shark phobia, increased dramatically. In addition, if your
parents are afraid of water, you are at a higher risk of sharing their fear.
Symptoms
Like all specific phobias, the symptoms of simple phobia
vary between sufferers. In general, the more severe the phobia, the more severe
the symptoms will be. You might shake, freeze in situ or conceive 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 shortly as you step in.
Complications
Water is an innate part of human life. Swimming could be a
common activity at summer camps and resorts, on cruise ships and at luxury
hotels. Avoiding the water altogether may be difficult or embarrassing.
If your concern extends to water splashes and sprays, it is
often even a lot of life-limiting. Fountains are a decorating staple at theme
parks, resorts, and even local malls. Some of these fountains perform in an
elaborate way choreographed water routines set to music and regular lighting,
which may splash bystanders. Water splashes are also a common effect in haunted
houses and carnival rides and games.
In some cases, aquaphobia can lead to ablutophobia or fear
of bathing. This relatively rare phobia can have a devastating impact on
self-esteem. Modern culture places significant stress 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, simple phobia responds quite well to treatment. Cognitive-behavioral
therapy is especially popular. You will be taught to replace negative self-talk
with more positive messages, and learn new behaviors for coping with your fear.
You might be given homework assignments, such as filling the bathtub with a few
inches of water and stepping in, or visiting the ocean while remaining safely
on the shore. 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 snug around water, and there is no “one size fits all” treatment
that works for everyone. Nonetheless, with the assistance of a talented healer,
simple phobia are often with success managed and even overcome.
Comments
Post a Comment