Aquaphobia is the fear of water.

Understanding Phobias:

Phobia is an anxiety disorder marked by excessive and persistent fear caused by an object or situation. Exposure to the fear-provoking trigger results in an immediate anxiety or panic episode. Phobias can fall into different categories such as fears related to animals, medical issues, specific situations or the natural environment.

Four Types of Specific Phobias:

• Fears of the natural environment
• Fears related to animals
• Fear related to medical treatments or issues
• Fears related to specific situations

Phobia of the Day: Aquaphobia

Aquaphobia is a fear of water. People with this specific phobia feel anxious when they think about or see water. They may avoid baths, showers, pools and bodies of water. Many people with aquaphobia have had traumatic experiences with water. Aquaphobia symptoms can range from mild to extreme. The most common symptoms are extreme anxiety when around water and when thinking about water. Other symptoms include:

• Dizziness or fainting
• Intense sweating (hyperhidrosis)
• Nausea
• Pale skin
• Panic attacks
• Rapid breathing and heart rate
• A strong feeling of terror
• Trembling, shaking, or tense muscles
• Trouble sleeping (insomnia)

SELF-CARE TIPS FOR PHOBIAS THAT BRING ON ANXIETY

• Talk to someone you trust
• Learn to manage panic and anxiety
• Look into joining a support group
• Use self-help resources
• Take a course for your specific phobia

RECENT PHOBIA WORD POSTS:

Cyberphobia

Koinoniphobia

Ephebiphobia

Claustrophobia

Cibophobia

Cynophobia

Cacophobia

Do you have a phobia you suffer from that you’d like to share? If so, send an email to info@thesouthafrican.com or a WhatsApp to 060 011 0211 and we’ll publish the ones that we feel are most interesting!

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