Did you know that despite humans exploring only 5% of the world’s oceans, there are more viruses in the ocean than stars in the Milky Way? The deepest part of the ocean is almost 36,200 feet, and hydrothermal vents can reach temperatures of up to 700 degrees Fahrenheit. If these facts give you anxiety, you may have thalassophobia, which is an intense fear of large bodies of water. However, if you’re interested in the power of water and exploring the depths of the ocean, you’re in for a treat. We’ve compiled some of the best posts from the Thalassophobia subreddit for your viewing pleasure. Upvote the pics that fascinate or unsettle you, and let us know in the comments how you feel about vast bodies of water. If you want even more scary photos, check out Bored Panda’s previous article on thalassophobia. Get ready to hear the Jaws theme song!
Since its inception in 2013, the Thalassophobia subreddit has gained immense popularity, boasting 1.2 million members who post about the awe-inspiring yet terrifying nature of bodies of water. With photos of otherworldly creatures and monstrous waves that could destroy entire towns, it’s no wonder why some people have a deep-seated fear of vast bodies of water. Personally, I love swimming in the ocean and visiting lakes, but I know from experience that water can be dangerously powerful.
If you’re not familiar with thalassophobia, it’s a specific phobia characterized by symptoms such as restlessness, nervousness, difficulty concentrating, irritability, muscle tension, sweating, increased heart rate, trembling, chest discomfort, a sense of impending doom, loss of control, upset stomach, chills or hot flashes, and trouble sleeping. In short, it can significantly impact an individual’s quality of life.
If you find yourself experiencing any of the symptoms triggered by the images on this list, it’s best to swim away as quickly as possible. The photos can be quite unsettling. However, if you’re looking to overcome your fear of bodies of water, exposure therapy is a viable treatment option. According to Betterhelp, it’s important to find a method that works for you to face your fear head-on. For example, taking swimming lessons can help if your fear stems from an inability to swim in deep water. If you’re scared of sea creatures, visiting an aquarium could be helpful. Looking directly at your fears might surprise you with how quickly you can overcome them. It’s best to seek the guidance of a professional to help you through the process. While viewing this list alone may be overwhelming, it’s essential to know that if you’re feeling anxious or fearful about these topics, you’re not alone.
It’s a pretty common experience to feel a sense of fear or anxiety when it comes to bodies of water. In fact, according to the Cleveland Clinic, around 3% of Americans have what’s known as aquaphobia. But there are also many other water-related phobias out there, like ablutophobia (the fear of bathing), cymophobia (the fear of waves), megalohydrothalassophobia (the fear of underwater creatures or objects), submechanophobia (the fear of submerged objects), and thalassophobia. These fears can often be traced back to past traumatic experiences involving water, negative stories or myths about water, or even family history of water-related anxiety.
There are many people who are afraid of deep water, even if they don’t have a phobia related to it. According to Cision, almost half of American adults feel scared in a pool where the water is above their heads, while more than half feel scared in deep, open water. This fear is perfectly normal, as there can be potential danger present when we are surrounded by water. It’s important to stay safe and avoid being alone in deep water since anything could happen. If your fear comes from not knowing how to swim, it’s never too late to learn. Learning to swim can help you feel more confident in the water and is also a lot of fun.
According to M. Ellen Dash, the CEO and founder of Miracle Swimming for Adults in Sarasota, Florida, people are interested in learning how to swim since it’s a valuable skill to have, especially during summertime. However, a significant number of individuals fail swimming lessons due to panic attacks that often go unnoticed by instructors. She believes that most people assume that feeling panicked is a normal part of the learning process, but unfortunately, students can only tolerate it for so long before giving up. Even when they decide to try again later, they often encounter the same system that is unaware of the harm caused by panic and stress. This creates an endless cycle of failure and frustration. Nonetheless, Dash advises people to search for programs that will cater to their unique needs and help them overcome their fears of water since everyone deserves to know how to swim.
