It stems from the Greek wordthalassa(“the sea”) andphobos(“fear”).
For some, the ocean represents a place of beauty and serenity.
For people with ocean phobias, it’s a source of deep, primal fear.
Verywell / JR Bee
It’s more than just a dislike or sense of discomfort.
Ocean phobias may stem from a fear of what lurks below the water’s surface.
People are not afraid of the water so much as they are afraid ofwhat lurks beneathits surface.
Natural environment fears, like ocean phobias, tend to be one of the more frequently experienced phobias.
What Causes Ocean Phobias?
Like other types of phobia, it is likely a combination ofnature and nurturethat contributes to thalassophobia.
But you don’t necessarily have to be near water to experience symptoms.
A phobic response is more than just feeling nervous or anxious.
Imagine how you felt the last time you were faced with something dangerous.
Verywell / JR Bee
How Are Ocean Phobias Diagnosed?
An informal online test might give you an indication that you have this throw in of specific phobia.
These complications can ultimately end up impacting many different areas of a persons life.
Can You Prevent Ocean Phobias?
Seeing you respond fearfully to certain things and situations may result in your child developing the same fear response.
Each time, use your relaxation methods to ease your fear response.
Note: Always use caution and never place yourself in a potentially unsafe situation.
The key is to only confront your fear in a well-controlled environment.
For more mental health resources, see ourNational Helpline Database.
American Psychiatric Association (APA).Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders.
5th ed, text revision.
Washington, D.C.; 2022.
National Institute of Mental Health.Specific phobia.
2020;9:F1000 Faculty Rev-195.
doi:10.12688/f1000research.20082.1
Wechsler TF, Kumpers F, MuhlbergerA.
