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What is thalassophobia, you may ask? Thalassophobia is a persistent and intense fear of deep water, such as the ocean or sea. What makes this phobia different from aquaphobia — the fear of water in general — is the fact that it centers on vastness, darkness, and depth. People who have this condition are not terrified of getting wet but rather of the might and mystique behind the waves.

It is, in fact, a scary thought — the endless depth of the ocean underneath your boat with unknown creatures filling the vast voids of unexplored seas. No, scratch that — you might even start getting uncomfortable just by looking at pictures depicting the endlessness of the deep blue seas! 

And if you were wondering what it is like to have thalassophobia or what images could cause this unsettling feeling, take a look at our selection of photos from the Thalassophobia subreddit. While we agree that at first glance, they are just beautiful, there indeed is a certain unsettling aura about them! 

How Do I Know If I Have Thalassophobia?

If you experience feelings of anxiety and fear about the sea or any other large body of water, chances are, you have thalassophobia. The fear you might be experiencing is usually disproportionate to the danger the water poses to you at a given moment - the body of water might be calm as a mirror and still give you these unsettling feelings. As for the symptoms, thalassophobia shares them with other specific phobias, such as claustrophobia, and includes:

  • Sudden onset of anxiety or fear;
  • Shaking and trembling;
  • Sweating;
  • Dry mouth;
  • Increased heart rate or heart palpitations;
  • Difficulty breathing, including hyperventilating;
  • Chest pain;
  • Fear of losing control.
#3

Orcas In The Waves

Orcas In The Waves

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Ria C.
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

That is beautiful. Scary cause murder mammal in murder water. But beautiful nonetheless.

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#4

This Seaweed Through Clear Water

This Seaweed Through Clear Water

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What is Thalassophobia Caused By? 

Thalassophobia could be caused by traumatic events, such as a childhood near-drowning experience, witnessing a shark attack, never learning to swim, or even being told scary stories of the ocean.

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By associating a specific situation, such as being in deep water, with a panic response, over time, a phobia of that situation can develop.

However, if you’re unsure whether you do have thalassophobia or not, you can always take a thalassophobia test on the internet and discuss it with your mental health professional.

#6

"Uhhhh, There's More Than Just Kelp And Angelfish Down Here, Over"

"Uhhhh, There's More Than Just Kelp And Angelfish Down Here, Over"

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#7

British Underwater Photographer Of The Year Winner 2022

British Underwater Photographer Of The Year Winner 2022

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#9

Is To Me Or Are Black Tiled Pools Terrifying

Is To Me Or Are Black Tiled Pools Terrifying

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As we’ve mentioned in the beginning, it’s the mere thought about the depth of the ocean or creatures lurking in the bottom of a body of water that might cause thalassophobia, and the images from the Thalassophobia subreddit illustrate it really well. 

The group itself is very dedicated to the quality of its content and fostering a welcoming environment both for thalassophobes and ocean lovers. Interested to learn more about the community, we contacted the moderators of 'Thalassophobia', and they were kind enough to have a little chat with us.

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"Our core mod group has 4 active members, which is a small team for a subreddit of our size," they told Bored Panda. "Compared to other subreddits of our size, we don't feel like we police posts or comments as much. The reason we do so little policing can probably be explained by our subreddit's niche context that revolves around a very specific set of inoffensive content.”

#10

Taken Off The Coast Of Southern California 2 Weeks Ago

Taken Off The Coast Of Southern California 2 Weeks Ago

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“We're just a bunch of people sharing stories, images, and videos of bodies of water that leave us in awe, wonder, and trepidation. Whenever we do police content, it's usually because it's a repost or focuses on a sea creature rather than the vastness of the ocean or the unknown depths of a body of water. We prefer for the ocean/water to play the primary role in content."

The mods also said the 'Thalassophobia' community is very passionate and filled with both ocean-fearing and ocean-loving people. "Based on previous polls we've had in the subreddit, it's split roughly 50/50 between those [two groups]."

"Although half of the community loves the ocean, everyone understands that there are people with a fear of deep water, and everyone is respectful of that in their posts and comments. It's a great community to be a moderator in," they explained.

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#13

The Deadliest Stream In The World - It Looks Normal, But Underneath It Is Full Of Caves Of Powerful Fast Moving Water That Will Drag You Down. 100% Fatality Rate

The Deadliest Stream In The World - It Looks Normal, But Underneath It Is Full Of Caves Of Powerful Fast Moving Water That Will Drag You Down. 100% Fatality Rate

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#15

When You Fear Of Flying And Your Fear Of Water Meet Each Other

When You Fear Of Flying And Your Fear Of Water Meet Each Other

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#16

Beach Weather Is Upon Us!

Beach Weather Is Upon Us!

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Why Is Deep Water So Scary? 

Although each one of us has different answers to the question, we have some thoughts about it, too. Deep water might appear frightful because of our inherited fear of the unknown — sounds simple, but it is still spooky. Then, there’s the factor of vulnerability as deep water and being in them makes us feel really small and exposed. 

Also, add the distinctive feeling of isolation when there’s nothing around you, just water, some more water, and a bit more of it, and you suddenly feel very alone and helpless. And lastly, the darkness of the bottom as if you’re staring right into the eye of the abyss. 

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We think that any of these factors are a good enough reason to have an immense fear, so if you think you have thalassophobia, don’t worry — it’s completely okay to experience it. In fact, up to 12,5% of the population experience a specific phobia every year!

#18

A Howling Abyss

A Howling Abyss

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Chucky Cheezburger
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Ok, eff that. Eff that and the horse it rode in on. Nope nope nopity nope nope nope...gonna nopetipus right on out. No telling what kinda crazy water devils ate in that inky darkness of damnation.

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TheNewJenBrady
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Laguna de Kaan Luum in Mexico. I looked it up and it's actually a lake with a sinkhole. It looks like the sinkhole is not safe for swimming because of strong currents. But the rest of the lake looks like a lot of fun to visit

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PurpleUnicorn
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I swam in a cenote (sinkhole) in the Mexican jungle - more like I clung on to the edge for dear life due to the endless deep beneath! Never again!

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Meeow
Community Member
1 year ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Laguna Kaan Luum, Tulum - https://youtu.be/x3TSJAWZG2w

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XiggyOfficial
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Where kulkukan Lives Talokan Is at the very bottom w his whole crew 😂😂

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XiggyOfficial
Community Member
1 year ago

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LMS
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

And that tiny little fencing around it is supposed to stop the huge suction from pulling you in the middle??

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James Pasquini
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The signs warn: "If you see glowing eyes below you, get the hell outta here FAST!"

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Andy Hinds
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I bet MrBallen has yet to make a video of this place involving reckless divers.

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Reenie Smith Shaw
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Ok, I now have an extremely profound fear, no let’s say terror, of water!!!! S**t, seriously!!!

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Donald Holder
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Tulin Lagoon, Mexico. It's a myth that this where the Mayan Civilization escaped to.

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Janet Graham
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I love those little 'stay out' signs. I wonder if they have some posted in the other direction.

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Gypsy Lee
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Nice they put a fence around it. Still, that lady on the dock seems unphased a giant tentacle could reach out any second.

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CJ Kelly
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Idk, I'd rather see a fence than venture to close and get caught up in currents you can't see 🤷🏽‍♀️

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Ella Blackwood
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

What the hell is this? God knows what kind of horrifying sea creature will emerge from that hole to suck you under forever.

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Helenium
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Why can’t u swim there though it’s not like you’ll sink

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#22

Because All My Friends Say This Photo Of Me Freediving Gives Them The Willies

Because All My Friends Say This Photo Of Me Freediving Gives Them The Willies

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ZentheOgre
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Start adding dark shapes in the backgrounds when you show them pictures. Items like Thomas the trains face, rubber duck, sushi rolls Cthulhu are common items that you could sneak in

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#27

Jacob's Well In Texas

Jacob's Well In Texas

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Turt_Le
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

It gives me the impression that you'd fall/sink/get pulled down if you swam over the opening as illogical as that sounds

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#29

Guadalupe Island, The Most Terrifying Place On This Planet

Guadalupe Island, The Most Terrifying Place On This Planet

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Evelyn
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

*Remember there are more people bit by humans in NYC than by sharks in the world* Save the sharks!

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#30

There’s Something Particularly Terrifying About The Idea Of Water You Can’t Even Float In

There’s Something Particularly Terrifying About The Idea Of Water You Can’t Even Float In

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Izzy Curer
Community Member
1 year ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

They put these signs on the aeration tanks at water purification plants. While there have been a few people who have fallen in and drowned, whether or not aeration would cause a human not to float hadn't really been tested until more recently. It turns out humans can float in an aeration tank, and it's now thought that those who drowned died of other complications. They still keep the signs up, though, since the tanks are still dangerous in general, and also because they're full of icky water that no one should really want to be in.

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#31

The Bottom Of An Iceberg

The Bottom Of An Iceberg

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Ash
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

That's beautiful. I know what it is, but I can convince my brain it's something else.

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#32

Whirlpools Are Actually Terrifying, You Guys

Whirlpools Are Actually Terrifying, You Guys

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#33

Swimming Next To A Ship In The Open Ocean, Miles From Land

Swimming Next To A Ship In The Open Ocean, Miles From Land

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Grace Austin
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

That dude in the middle- is he drowning? Is he calling out for help? Is he waving to the camera? Is he voguing?

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#34

A Diver Riding A Giant Underwater Worm (Pyrosoma Atlanticum)

A Diver Riding A Giant Underwater Worm (Pyrosoma Atlanticum)

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#35

Brine Pools Are Just The Scariest Shit

Brine Pools Are Just The Scariest Shit

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#36

Apparently This Is The Sunken Goddess Sculpture- That’s All I Know But Look At How Big It Is!

Apparently This Is The Sunken Goddess Sculpture- That’s All I Know But Look At How Big It Is!

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#37

Walked About 30 Minutes Out During Low Tide To Read This!

Walked About 30 Minutes Out During Low Tide To Read This!

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#38

This Is An Under-Ice Observation Tube In Mcmurdo Station, Antarctica

This Is An Under-Ice Observation Tube In Mcmurdo Station, Antarctica

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#39

Depth: Infinite Ft

Depth: Infinite Ft

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Grace Austin
Community Member
1 year ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Kids, who’s ready to go on the bottomless pit water slide? It feels like it never ends!

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#40

This Grounded Ship Looking Like A Giant Meg

This Grounded Ship Looking Like A Giant Meg

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#41

Anybody Who Wants To Take A Dip?

Anybody Who Wants To Take A Dip?

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#43

That Last Point Made Me Double Take

That Last Point Made Me Double Take

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#44

Fresh Water Always Creeped Me Out More Than The Ocean. The General Low Visibility And Feeling "Enclosed" With Whatever Was In The Water Was Always Gnawing At The Back Of My Mind.

Fresh Water Always Creeped Me Out More Than The Ocean. The General Low Visibility And Feeling "Enclosed" With Whatever Was In The Water Was Always Gnawing At The Back Of My Mind.

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ZentheOgre
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Hah the myth about that particular dolphin. They are shapshifting tricksters that will try to drown you and turn you into a dolphin and then morph into you and take your place in your family.

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#46

Flip (Floating Instrument Platform), A Ship Flipping Vertically To Study The Behavior Of Sound Waves Underwater

Flip (Floating Instrument Platform), A Ship Flipping Vertically To Study The Behavior Of Sound Waves Underwater

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#47

Going Through Old Pics, Thought I Would Drop This Here

Going Through Old Pics, Thought I Would Drop This Here

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ZentheOgre
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Just a friendly shark debating if they are worth a selfie. (Upper right look for dark shape)

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#48

Black Lined Pools Are A Thing… And They’re Terrifying

Black Lined Pools Are A Thing… And They’re Terrifying

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#49

It's A Nice Peaceful Day Until You Get A Glimpse Of What Lies Beneath

It's A Nice Peaceful Day Until You Get A Glimpse Of What Lies Beneath

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#50

Found This Gem On Tumblr

Found This Gem On Tumblr

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Note: this post originally had 142 images. It’s been shortened to the top 50 images based on user votes.