FEAR OF DROWNING
The fear of drowning (aquaphobia) is common. It is often referred to as the fear of water (hydrophobia), which is a stage of rabies. Looking at the picture, do you feel stressed? If you do, you likely have a hint of this fear. On the other hand, if you see the beauty in the reflective colors, the smoothness in the ripples, or that the ocean is the foundation for the creation of life, then you probably don’t have it.
The symptoms of this fear are readily apparent. People with aquaphobia will avoid water as much as possible, even going so far as to favor the shower over a bathtub. But many do not enjoy either. Some animals instinctively know how to swim. For humans, this ability must be learned. However, being unable to swim and the fear of drowning is not the same.
a. Fear of Drowning Caused by Trauma.
Most of the root causes of fear of drowning can be traced to a traumatic incident. Studies have shown that it only takes one incident to create it. The usual scenario is being pushed into a swimming pool or lake. Most people distinctly remember that event. Therefore, recalling the cause does not relieve the symptoms (as it can with most other fears). For this fear, exposure therapy is the first line of treatment.
b. Weightlessness.
Some studies have found that the feeling of weightlessness is unnatural and causes anxiety. People intentionally avoid roller-coaster rides because of that momentary weightless feeling.
c. Lack of Mobility.
Some studies have connected the inability to escape or move through the water as a fear trigger. A 250-pound linebacker for a professional football team that runs down the field at record speed may feel helpless in a few feet of water.
d. Suffocation and Fear of Drowning.
Not being able to breathe is a common fear associated with the fear of drowning. Waking up gasping for air is frightening. Although it is relatively commonplace, this feeling of suffocation can help contribute to a person’s fear of drowning. And the fear of suffocating is so intrinsic to humans that there is even a well-known torture technique based on it – waterboarding.
e. Lack of Confidence.
A person prone to panic must overcome that condition before venturing into deep water. Drowning is unforgiving and quick. Scuba diving instructors are trained to observe people who are prone to panic. All scuba diving classes require the students to remove their masks and breathing apparatus underwater. Those who panic are quickly rescued and excused from further participation. Panic is the number one cause of scuba diving deaths.
f. Influence from Parent.
The fear of drowning may be a learned response from parents. For example, a parent afraid of drowning may pass that fear onto the child. Children observe far more than what parents believe. The fear may be imprinted by an overprotective parent not allowing the child to go near bodies of water.
g. Manipulation and Fear of Drowning.
Jaws was one of the most emotionally driven movies of all time. It provoked many irrational fears directed around sharks and ocean swimming. Movie studios intentionally exaggerated every aspect of the movie to produce the maximum emotional trauma. This is done for profit and not for educational purposes.
h. Personality Trait Connection.
The personality trait most likely to possess a fear of drowning would be the A-type. Being in control is one of their primary traits.
A few famous people believed to have this fear include Michael Jordan, Carmen Elektra, Sandra Bullock, Will Smith, Oprah Winfrey, and Snoop Dogg.