Have you ever felt anxious when you see the ocean or bottom of the sea?

If you feel that way, you might have Thalassophobia. But what is this phobia, why we feel in that way, what are the symptoms of thalassophobia? Let’s take a look!

What is Thalassophobia?

Thalassophobia is a phobia that includes an intense fear of the ocean, the depths of the sea, dense bodies of water. Thalassophobia focuses on beings deep in water rather than water

According to The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders,although it does not distinguish thalassophobia from hydrophobia, symptoms of this phobia may fall within the diagnostic criteria for certain phobias.

The term thalassophobia comes from the Greek thalassa and fobos.

Phobias are divided into 5 groups;

  • Animal type
  • Blood injection type
  • Natural environment type
  • Status type
  • Other types

Thalassophobia is among natural environment phobias.

Thalassophobia

What are the symptoms of Thalassophobia?

Phobias can have both physical and emotional symptoms.

Physical symptoms;

  • Dizziness
  • Nausea
  • Rapid heart rate
  • Rapid breathing
  • Shortness of breath
  • Sweating

Emotinal symptoms;

  • Being overwhelmed
  • Feelings of anxiety
  • Feeling disconnected from the situation
  • Have a sense of imminent doom
  • Needing to escape

Cure of Thalassophobia:

Exposing the patient to the sea or ocean where he has a phobia under the supervision of a specialist is the most effective and commonly used method.This exposure can be applied using imagination first, then pictures and simulations with virtual glasses.As the treatment progresses, the difficulty of exposure experiences is gradually increased, under the supervision of a specialist.

Thalassophobia

Causes: Thalassophobia
Although it does not have a specific cause, it may occur with the effect of a traumatic event that occurs during a journey in water or water.

How do I know if I have thalassophobia?
If you are afraid of ocean bottoms, if you are afraid of swimming, you may have thalassophobia, but there are many phobias with symptoms similar to thalassophobia. Therefore, the most accurate method is to get psychological support.

What is the difference between Thalassophobia and Aquaphobia?
Acaphobia is often the fear of water, particularly drowning, while thalassophobia is the fear of large bodies of water such as the ocean.

References

Olesen, J.. Fear of the Ocean Phobia – Thalassophobia. Fear of. net: https://www.fearof.net/fear-of-the-ocean-phobia-thalassophobia/

What is Thalassophobia (Fear of the Ocean)? . Bilgi Ustam: https://www.bilgiustam.com/talasofobi-okyanus-korkusu/

What Is Thalassophobia and How Can You Cope With It?  graphistik.com: https://tr.graphistik.com/what-is-thalassophobia