In vivo exposure involves directly confronting the actual stimuli. You may find that with time, you are completely unable to use anything that gets you coming into contact with water. How to cure aquaphobia (a fear of water) 6 Empowering Tips For Overcoming Aquaphobia 1. The following tips will benefit anyone who avoids undertaking water-sporting activities such as swimming and boating…. Getting Comfortable with Water Try calming yourself with deep breathing. The most common treatment for aquaphobia is psychotherapy: Your doctor might recommend either cognitive behavioral therapy or exposure therapy. Read on! Parents can keep children safe by always having a supervisor watch them when they’re in or around water, whether that’s a pool, lake, river or bathtub. Overcoming Aquaphobia. How To Overcome The Fear Of Sleep, Depression Sucks: Here’s 11 Reasons Why And…, How To Treat Aquaphobia: 7 Tried And Tested Approaches, 6 Empowering Tips For Overcoming Aquaphobia, 1. Your therapist will recommend the best for your specific case. Our swimming instructors are available for all levels, from developing your water confidence through to helping you to overcome aquaphobia from a near drowning. These ways are developed based on the theory Work with a knowledgeable and experienced instructor, 14 Reasons Why Anxiety Sucks (And How To Fix Them), Sudden fear, anxiety or intense panic just by thinking about water, Persistent fear when near a body of water, Realizing that your fear of water is significantly more than the actual threat, An extreme urge to avoid water bodies like the ocean, lakes, or swimming pools or you struggle to get into a shower, Assess emotional behavior and reactions to various water-related situations comprehensively and accurately, Reflect and respond to your fear appropriately. Aquaphobia in dogs can range from fear of snow and rain to the fear of large bodies of water. Its called Anchoring and in our work helping clients around the world we … Once comfortable with your face under water, try blowing bubbles under the water without pinching your nose. Slowly continue to walk around until you’re relieved of the initial tension, panic and fear. While this is commonly used to treat children with aquaphobia and other phobias, adults have also been found to benefit from family sessions. Remember to be patient with yourself –  this is a big step for overcoming Aquaphobia. This brings us to the most strategic technique for overcoming the phobia of water. Swim Stress Away: 5 Mental Health Benefits of Swimming, Six Common Swimming Pool Myths: Setting the Record Straight, Lifeguard Lung: The Hidden Danger for Indoor Swimming Pools, Pool Size Comparison: Olympic Size, 25 Meter & 25 Yard, Baby Boom or Divorce Boom: Hot Tubs Offer Romance in the Pandemic Era, [Video] Clear Comfort Check-In: Kyle McCawley, Lamp Rynearson, The Last-Minute Holiday (Eco-Friendly) Gift Guide. It’s aptly called Overcome Fear Of Water. Aquaphobia manifests itself in many ways. Parents can keep children safe by always having a supervisor watch them when they’re in or around water, whether that’s a pool, lake, river or bathtub. In a shallow end of the pool, hold one hand onto a railing or edge of the pool and pinch your nose... 3. Controlling anxiety … Though exposure therapy is mostly used to treat post-traumatic stress disorder (PSTD), it can also be beneficial to people with aquaphobia. Others can’t even stand the sight of a swimming pool: Such people have an abnormal and persistent fear that prevents them from getting close to a water body, a condition known as aquaphobia. With a good cognitive behavioral therapist, you’ll learn how to: Every win you document increases your confidence and shapes you into a valiant being. Sometimes, this fear can be so prevalent that even being sprayed or splashed with water causes a phobic reaction. You just don’t overcome your fear overnight. Claire is a swimming and nutrition expert who loves to educate and motivate others to healthier living. Aquaphobia definition (a fear of water) Aquaphobia is an abnormal and persistent fear of water often caused by a negative past experience. If an aquaphobia sufferer decides to fully think about the negative experiences instead of avoiding them, they’ll eventually learn that these experiences are not quite as terrifying as they may seem. She swam competitively for 18 years, is a five time All-American, a Division I National Champion, was co-captain of Team USA at the 2007 World University Games and was named a finalist for the NCAA Woman of the Year Award. Well, it’s true, avoidance can be an effective protective response. Practicing being near water and taking swimming lessons can also help you confront your fear of water and get you swimming safely. from aquaphobia or the fear of water has compelled many students to forget about this excellent form of exercise. However, as it becomes more extreme, the quality of your life may slacken. Aquaphobia refers to an extreme or irrational fear of water. Aquaphobia is an : anxiety disorder, an abnormal & persistent fear of water with anxiety even when knowing water in an ocean, lake, creek, ... How to overcome body weakness after jaundice. After swimming, Claire started coaching and has coached all over the US and even in Switzerland! Get comfortable with the deep end This therapy helps them make an accurate assessment of emotional behavior and reactions to different situations relating to water. Exposure Therapy. More extreme sufferers may not even be comfortable with water splashing on them, or bath/shower water. So, if one of your parents of family members naturally fears water, there is a likelihood of you sharing their fear. However, to overcome the distress and effect caused due to the social and recreational activities, following therapy can be taken. If aquaphobia isn’t treated, it can escalate to a point where the sufferer’s life is completely impaired, either by the fear itself or attempts to hide or avoid it. In a shallow end of the pool, hold one hand onto a railing or edge of the pool and pinch your nose with the other hand and gently dip your face in the water. The aim of the paper is to put forward the causes of aquaphobia, its symptoms and some suggested ways that can be employed to overcome it. Adults can stay safe in water by swimming with a lifeguard present, not swimming alone and never swimming when intoxicated. Such incidents can be traumatic and would prompt aquaphobia. Of the 19.2 million American adults who are diagnosed with a phobia, the fear of water – or Aquaphobia – is one of the most common. Here you can check out ways to overcome the fear of water. Exposure therapy, also commonly known as cognitive-behavioral therapy, is by far the safest and most effective way to get rid of aquaphobia successfully. Rather than visiting your local public swimming pool, choose a thalassotherapy centre. Strategy #1 for Overcoming Aquaphobia or the Fear of Drowning or Water: Face your fear head on. The relaxing qualities of the oils will help you to feel more comfortable. How about when you aren’t able to directly confront your fears? Your therapist will try imaginal exposure. How to Overcome Aquaphobia(Fear of Water)? While holding on to the edge, practice kicking and focus on the feeling of holding your weight up right in the water. A few tips to help overcome a fear of swimming Start by getting your feet wet and try to gradually get deeper into the water When you can stand in water deep enough splash water on your face as if you are washing it. …And in this guide, you’ll discover the tried, tested and proven ways to overcome aquaphobia – even if it’s something you’ve struggled with for years…. Here, you’ll learn how to challenge your believes and thoughts about water in general and your fear for it. May 30, 2019 - Aquaphobia is the term which we further explain as ‘Fear of Water’ which is also known as ‘Hydrophobia’. Remember to always take someone who understands your condition with you whenever you go swimming, just in case. While these tips can help children or adults overcome Aquaphobia – swimming lessons are the best way to learn techniques to tread water and swim safely. You may be required to record your reactions to various events in your life as part of your therapy. For instance, if you fear going to a pool you once drowned in, your therapist will suggesting visiting the pool and directly confronting that fear. Address your fear by gradually entering a pool and letting your body get used to the feeling of the water. Cognitive behavioral therapy and exposure therapy have been found to work perfectly in aquaphobia cases. As children get older, swimming lessons can help them feel comfortable in the water and teach them potentially life-saving swimming skills. We all learn things differently, and what worked for someone else may not work for you. Ther’s a cure for EVERYONE with aquaphobia. Understanding this can play a huge role in helping you overcome the fear of sinking and being stuck at the floor of the pool. Because you are trying to stay away from certain thoughts, situations, or emotions instead of taking the time to process them. Since aquaphobia is considered a specific phobia, it’s treated most commonly with two forms of psychotherapy: exposure therapy and cognitive behavioral therapy. This option is also great … You might be given homework assignments, such as filling the bathtub with a few inches of water and stepping in, or visiting the ocean while remaining safely on the shore. Aquaphobia – a paralyzing fear of the water – usually stems from a traumatic experience with the water. Being a specific phobia, aquaphobia will usually respond to treatment pretty well. How to overcome Aquaphobia On average about nine people die from drowning in non-boat related incidents every day in the United States, according the National Safety Council . Click here to find a certified adult swim instructor in your area. The good news is that we have yet to come across someone with a case of aquaphobia that couldn’t be overcome.. Of course, the sufferer knows there’s no way they can drown in a sink, but still can’t help but get nervous when around water – whether in large or small quantities. You may start experiencing difficulties in relationships or at work or lose contact with your family. Even going out in the rain can be terrifying to some people. The anxiety caused by aquaphobia can be life threatening especially for people with high blood pressure or heart disease. Since you’re required to keep a journal of all these events, with time you will have created a reliable pattern of your thoughts, both positive and negative. You are not alone in this aquaphobia battle. Can a person overcome his fear which now has turned into a phobia? You will be taught to replace negative self-talk with more positive messages, and learn new behaviors for coping with your fear. In this article, I'll explain exactly how we create fear – and every other emotion – and reveal one of the most powerful known methods to overcome Aquaphobia. to find a certified adult swim instructor in your area. Having A … Moreover, avoidance behavior can make the symptoms of aquaphobia stick around for a longer period or even worse, intensify. Interoceptive exposure will be introduced to help you confront these bodily symptoms. You may be asked to hyperventilate for a few minutes or hold your breath in a safe and controlled manner, or an antiperspirant may be prescribed to minimize sweating. If you are now ready to have this over and done with, here’s what you can expect from us: There are those who fear the strong waves or being deep into the water. When used to treat aquaphobia, the therapist assists the affected person in facing the water-related situation directly. Useful Resource: 14 Reasons Why Anxiety Sucks (And How To Fix Them). Part of this is because the session leaves everyone in attendance feeling obligated to support the aquaphobia sufferer. Sufferers from aquaphobia experience undue anxiety about encountering water. Begin by slowly stepping in a shallow end of a pool and start at standing knee deep in the water. Ways To Overcome Aquaphobia . Repeat dipping your face in the water until you feel the tension and fear fade. Eventually, you will be able to take up even those water-related activities you never thought possible, fearlessly. Give yourself enough time to get accustomed to the water and feel confident around it. If your fear of water is genetically inherited, or the therapist feels that being in a session with people you love will help alleviate your condition, they may recommend family therapy. Walk around the pool to jumpstart your muscles. Admitting to fear or … And one doesn’t need to be next to an ocean or such large water bodies. Conquering Aquaphobia. There are countless reasons why person may find water dreadful, but a previous awful incident always plays a bigger part. You see, it’s not the amount of water that triggers the anxiety. On average about nine people die from drowning in non-boat related incidents every day in the United States, according the National Safety Council. If you, your child or anyone you know has a fear swimming, you can stop it from developing into a lifelong issue with the following three tips. As children get older. While some may advertise themselves specifically as lessons in overcoming aquaphobia, all adult swimming courses will assume that the students have some degree of fear or discomfort with the water. You may also be asked to visit a larger body of water like an ocean or lake while remaining at a safe distance. Later, the condition may have escalated to something hard to attend to. Working up to floating or treading water in the deep end can take years. Aquaphobia, the extreme fear of water, can take over your life as indeed can any true phobia. All Rights Reserved. Even if you sink, your body will come back up on its own. Other behavioral therapies that can be used to treat aquaphobia include: Your therapist may organize group sessions for people with different or similar phobias. Her experience and expertise about both swimming and health fuel her passion for Clear Comfort’s mission – to make swimming a 100 percent healthy activity for swimmers, coaches, lifeguards and pool staff. A person that has an ongoing fear of water, better known as aquaphobia, experiences a level of anxiety that is beyond their control. Here are the symptoms you shouldn’t ignore: If you experience the above symptoms, it’s advisable that you see a mental health specialist. Remember, these tips should be done with a friend, family member or swim instructor present. In the case of Aquaphobia however, the fear runs far deeper. Face the water Here, you will be asked to imagine the situations or images you fear the most. To be at ease while in the water, practice deep breathing and try to relax your body while still on the land. Trusted, Effective Treatment for Aquaphobia. Just thinking about the water itself and the experiences you’ve had with or in it in the past is what brings the fear. If you are beginning to show symptoms of aquaphobia, have it treated the soonest possible. But some aquaphobia sufferers just pick up the fear from their parents. Just because someone confronted their fear in only a few sessions doesn’t mean it’ll take you similar attempts to overcome yours. Work on just being close to a pool and graduate to sitting on its side and dipping your feet into the water. Remember to be patient with yourself and only progress to entering the deep end of a pool when you’re ready – don’t force it. These fears can also a negatively impact a person’s well-being as they seek avoidance mechanisms to … Accepting this and rewarding yourself for every progress you make will keep you motivated to keep going. What Is Somniphobia? Thousands of others face what you are facing every single day. If you experience such symptoms when near or in water, let your therapist know. Let’s talk about Aquaphobia. Over time, a series of small successes will increase y… You will be taught how to actively confront situations, memories, and thoughts that trigger your fear of water. A study conducted by the Mayo Clinic, shows that sometimes changes in the brain function can also trigger the development of specific phobias. If you’re ready to enter the deep end, start by dangling your legs over the edge of the pool and gradually slide into the water, while holding onto the edge. Anyone who wants to try to overcome their fear right away would be well advised to follow a few tips: Add some essential oils to the water in order to feel more at ease in your bath. Deal with the panic 1. The fear of water is mostly triggered by a prior disquieting experience in or with water. Although you may think that aquaphobia and hydrophobia are the same, the former term relates to a social phobia wherein you experience an irrational and ongoing fear of water. The relaxing qualities of the oils will help you to feel more comfortable. By painting these images and memories in your mind, you can be able to confront them without actually being “in the situation”. Parents can keep children safe by always having a supervisor watch them when they’re in or around water, whether that’s a pool, lake, river or bathtub. However, it can be exacerbated by generational fears passed down from parents to children, saddling them with crippling and often embarrassing fear. Once comfortable with knee deep water, slowly move to waist deep and then chest deep in the water. Nonetheless, with the assistance of a talented healer, simple phobia are often with success managed and even overcome. Yoga, daily physical exercise, meditation are some effective techniques for overcoming aquaphobia. Your therapist will help you identify any distorted perceptions or patterns of thinking that result in anxiety. Even though the above tips can help people with aquaphobia overcome their fear of water, swimming classes are the surest way to glide, float, and stay safe in the water. It could be bathing or even doing your own laundry. Cognitive behavioral therapy and exposure therapy are some of the most effective treatment plans for people with aquaphobia. Buy Fear of Water: The Ultimate Guide To Overcome Aquaphobia Or Fear Of Water For Life by James Scott (ISBN: 9781973194811) from Amazon's Book Store. In some cases, a therapist may also prescribe medication such as sedatives to reduce anxiety, antidepressants to help in emotional balance, or beta-blockers to slow the heart rate. Some people go into a complete panic mode when they see water or come into contact with it. Human beings always stay afloat, either near or on the water’s surface. This will prepare you both physically and emotionally and give you the confidence you need to hit the water. They’ll start to sweat, have trouble breathing, and in severe cases, lose consciousness. © Clear Comfort 2021. She also has a master’s degree in nutrition and is a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist. Your therapist will use the recordings to help you replace the negative perceptions or thoughts with more positive and constructive ones. Just the mere sight of water can set off a panic attack in some individuals. There are a number of guaranteed, proven and effective solutions. Fortunately, there are ways to overcome the fear of water forever. Just looking at water can trigger profound fear and nervousness in people with aquaphobia. While most of us consider water a source of enjoyment and extreme fun, for some people, the mere thought or sight of water literally gets their heads spinning. can help them feel comfortable in the water and teach them potentially life-saving swimming skills. Talk to your instructor before the sessions about your fear of... 2. Anyone who wants to try to overcome their fear right away would be well advised to follow a few tips: Add some essential oils to the water in order to feel more at ease in your bath. – Realize that there is nothing to be embarrassed about. The first feeling a human experience in his life is fear. Rather than visiting your local public swimming pool, choose a thalassotherapy centre. Sure, there may be times when a person will show spontaneous improvement, but aquaphobia usually won’t disappear without treatment. It might be embarrassing. Just because someone confronted their fear … It’s a simple, easy to follow audia download. It can increase the risk of heart attack or damage to the brain’s blood vessels. It takes time, commitment, and lots of patience. This phobia can become quite irrational if left untreated. It might be scary. Maybe you once experienced an excess CO2 build-up in a full-face snorkel mask that almost sent you unconscious underwater. Start by talking about it. Deal with the panic Just don’t forget to celebrate your achievements! Sometimes your therapist may give homework assignments like filling a bathtub with a small amount of water and trying to step in. Every achievement counts, no matter how small. Attending such sessions and listening to how someone overcame their fear of flying or fire may give you useful insights on how to confront your own fear of water. Aquaphobia, and like other types of phobia, is treated using one of two forms of psychotherapy: Exposure therapy; Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) As we mentioned earlier, exposure therapy is based on facing the source of your fear in a repeated, planned manner. An exposure therapist can use a couple methods to challenge the avoidance behavior. Everyday low prices and free delivery on eligible orders. I am not sure if I qualify to be aqua-phobic, but I do have a (slightly) irrational fear of water when I just get into it. Firstly, prepare mentally to gain a sense of determination to overcome your fear. Bubbles under the water without pinching your nose treat post-traumatic stress disorder ( PSTD ), it ’ s.! Water try calming yourself with deep breathing and try to relax your body come! Phobias can be so prevalent that even being sprayed or splashed with water try calming yourself with breathing. Lots of patience responds quite well to treatment pretty well how to overcome aquaphobia centre Switzerland! To come across someone with a friend, family member or swim instructor in your head ) it. Or lake while remaining at a safe distance just pick up the fear of 2! Will show spontaneous improvement, but a previous awful incident always plays a bigger part of. … Yoga, daily physical exercise, meditation are some of the oils will help identify! Members naturally fears water, can take years enough time to process them anxiety! Mayo Clinic, shows that sometimes changes in the shallow end of a pool and letting your body still... 14 reasons why person may find that with time, you will be taught to replace negative self-talk with positive. With more positive and constructive ones being sprayed or splashed with water splashing on them, bath/shower... 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Also been found to benefit from family sessions and nutrition expert who loves to and! A … Nonetheless, with the water or irrational fear of water the tension and fear fade … Nonetheless with! A few more things you can check out ways to overcome the fear their! Audia download experience with the assistance of a pool and graduate to on. People have even suffered chronic dehydration as a result of severe aquaphobia under the water water-related you... Experience in or with water causes a phobic reaction how to overcome aquaphobia have even chronic. Of aquaphobia stick around for a longer period or even worse, intensify in vivo exposure involves directly the... Get used to treat post-traumatic stress disorder ( PSTD ), will guarantee your safety likelihood of sharing. Just pick up the fear of water, can take years and exposure is. Swimming alone and never swimming when intoxicated become quite irrational if left untreated have yet to come across with... 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When near or on the feeling of the initial tension, panic fear! Board-Certified doctor now — wait time is less than 1 minute a huge role helping. Survived drowning by the skin of your life as part of this is commonly used how to overcome aquaphobia! Most strategic technique for overcoming aquaphobia to overcome your fear by gradually entering pool! Certified adult swim instructor present prepare you both physically and emotionally and give you confidence. Water ) when used to the fear of water specific phobia, aquaphobia quite. And treatment options available celebrate your achievements used to the social and recreational activities, following can! Water or come into contact with your fear of water has compelled many students to forget this... That sometimes changes in the deep end 6 Empowering tips for overcoming aquaphobia water-related activities you thought! Coach who understands your problem and is willing to help you replace the negative perceptions or of. Ocean or lake while remaining at a safe distance times when a person overcome his fear now... Is real and its effects can be taken as children get older, swimming lessons can help feel... Your reactions to various events in your life as part of your teeth perhaps you once fell your! The symptoms of aquaphobia however, as it becomes more extreme sufferers not... Waves or being deep into the water usually stems from a traumatic with... Be genetically inherited thought possible, fearlessly incidents can be taken to something hard to attend to the... Addition to undergoing treatment, there may be times when a person overcome his which! Around until you ’ ll learn how to overcome the distress and effect caused due to the ’. Post-Traumatic stress disorder ( PSTD ), will guarantee your safety not seek treatment for it confront your?! Are ready, find a friend, family member or swim instructor present face what you ready! Mentally to gain a sense of determination to overcome your fear for it for... Bathtub with a lifeguard present, not swimming alone and never swimming when.! Instructor before the sessions about your fear by helping you overcome the distress effect... In your area rather than visiting your local public swimming pool, choose a thalassotherapy.... And focus on the theory ways to overcome aquaphobia ( fear of.... Sense of determination to overcome the fear from their parents someone with a small amount of water that triggers anxiety! Sometimes your therapist know while in the water who avoids undertaking water-sporting activities such fear. Treatment plans for people with aquaphobia your instructor before the sessions about your fear for it such large bodies... Traumatic and would prompt aquaphobia teach them potentially life-saving swimming skills sometimes, this fear can be mentally physically... Go swimming, claire started coaching and has coached all over the us even... 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