Everyone has a fear or two that they struggle to overcome. For some people, they may even experience an irrational fear that can cause disruptions to their daily life, as much as they may want to avoid these occurrences.An irrational fear of water, also known as aquaphobia, can be debilitating for many, as it may force them to avoid the water. In this article, we’ll explore what aquaphobia is, how prevalent it is, and how you can take small steps to overcome it in the future.
How Prevalent is Aquaphobia?
Believe it or not, a sizable portion of the population actually has aquaphobia. According to some sources, up to 3% of all Americans actually have aquaphobia. More often than not, you’re more likely to find children who struggle with aquaphobia as opposed to adults, but that doesn’t mean adults don’t struggle when they are around water, whether it be in the shower, bath, or even in an ocean or lake.
How Can Someone Develop Aquaphobia?
Much like other phobias, there are several examples of instances that may trigger irrational fears, like aquaphobia. Some of the most common are traumatic experiences. If you have a child who is fearful of water, it might be because of a poor experience with water in the past.
Additionally, some children and adults may develop a fear of the water simply because of hearing other people talk about its danger. In some cases, you may even develop aquaphobia because your parents have it.
How to Tell If You Have Aquaphobia
If you believe you may have an irrational fear of water, there are a few symptoms to look out for that are often tell-tale signs. If you find yourself around water and you’re struggling to overcome a heavy bout of anxiety or even panic, you might fear the water. Additionally, you might experience any of these symptoms--or even all of them:
● Persistent fear around water
● Recognition of the fear’s irrationality
● Avoidance of water sources
● Rapid heartbeat and tight chest
● Nausea
● Fainting spells or dizziness
If you have ever encountered these symptoms when you’re around water, chances are you have aquaphobia. However, it’s always a good idea to get your symptoms reviewed by a professional to ensure that you receive a proper diagnosis.
Overcome Aquaphobia with First Stroke Aquatics
As crazy and irrational as your fear may seem, the only way to overcome your fear is to slowly expose yourself to water over time. Learning to swim with First Stroke Aquatics can help you overcome the irrational panic you may feel so you feel more confident when you find yourself around water.
Our instructors are all certified for your peace of mind, so you’ll receive high-level training and support while you’re in the water. If you’re ready to face your fears, contact us today at First Stroke to start your swimming lessons, or browse our programs to find the most suitable path for your learning. We can’t wait to help you overcome your aquaphobia!