What is aquaphobia? Know how to overcome it!
It’s a mental condition whereby a person fears water. The moment a person comes in front of the water, he starts feeling afraid and his heartbeat rises. Sometimes he gets a panic attack. Let us know the way to overcome this.
Many people are very scared of getting into the water. If you too have such feelings, then these are the symptoms of aquaphobia. Actually, it is a mental condition in which there resides deep fear inside the person, and whenever he goes near the water, his heart starts beating fast, palms become sweaty, and breathing becomes fast. Aquaphobia is the fear of waves. Some people are even known to get panic attacks when taking a bath in water. It is such a huge fear that can disrupt normal functioning and interfere with daily life.
How to overcome it?
1. Do not panic while going into the water
Face your fears—get in slowly in the pool, letting your body get used to what the water feels like. Walk slowly into the pool, then stand with the water level reaching only your knees. On reaching the middle of the pool, let the water touch your skin. Walk some more, slowly, till you have overcome the initial tension, nervousness, and fear. After getting comfortable in knee-deep water, wade progressively into the water to your waist and then your chest. This will begin to calm you down.
2. Face the water
Hold the pool railing or edge at the deep end of the pool with one hand, press your nose with the other, and slowly dip your face in the water. Do this for as long as it takes to get rid of your tension and fear. When you feel your face is comfortable being under the water, blow your bubbles underwater without pressing your nose. It will only take patience to overcome aquaphobia.
3. Avoid negative thoughts
Confront and try to understand the negative thoughts you have about water. People who have an excessive fear of the same often have illogical thoughts about the dangers of water or confidence in dealing with the situation of being near it. So think positively to counter these thoughts.
4. Set small goals
Set small, achievable goals for yourself involving somehow being exposed to water. Celebrate yourself for making steps forward and soon realize that this phobia can really be beat. For example, your first goal could be to stand near a small pool for a few minutes without any fear in this aspect. Only by setting small goals will you be able to achieve the big goal.