“Sudden Shiver Down My Spine”: 50 Terrifying Pics To Show Why The Fear Of Deep Water Is Real

According to mental health counselor Bates, exposure therapy paired with relaxation and mindfulness techniques is the typical and most effective way of treating a phobia. 

"Since thalassophobia is the fear of deep bodies of water, the issue may not cause any day-to-day dysfunction and impairment. The person suffering from this phobia may have no reservations swimming in a pool, for example, which may occur if they had aquaphobia (the fear of water itself)," he explained to Bored Panda.

"However, the very idea of large, deep bodies of water may cause distress for an individual. Several forms of travel may also be the source of anxiety and panic if there were to fly in a plane over large bodies of water, driving over a bridge, or watching a movie like Titanic," he said.

"Treatment of the phobia would involve a licensed counselor or psychologist helping the client encounter gradual and controlled exposure to large bodies of water, typically starting with imaginal stimuli to real-life experiences," counselor Bates walked us through the process.

"As the client is exposed to anxiety-provoking stimuli of large bodies of water (e.g., a picture of the sea, sound of ocean waves), the clinician will guide them through mindfulness and relaxation interventions to help soothe their nervous system, equipping them adjust to the discomfort and realize they are not in any actual danger."

We were interested in getting the counselor's opinion as to when someone suffering from phobias should reach out for help from a professional. Bates noted that this decision will depend on several factors.

"For a person suffering with thalassophobia, they may want to consider if their fear is so intense that it causes anxiety, even panic attacks. If they are avoiding normal activities, causing disruption to their life, again, they may consider seeking out help. Psychologists, psychiatrists, counselors, or other mental health professionals who specialize in anxiety disorders can offer various treatments such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), exposure therapy, or medication if necessary, to help individuals manage and overcome their phobias."

Bates pointed out that thalassophobia is a very treatable issue: "So for those who struggle with this issue, there is hope. They do not need to suffer in isolation. There are effective treatments out there." He shared that counselors and other mental health clinicians regularly work with conditions like thalassophobia.

"Whatever a person is struggling with, it will not shock a clinician. They will work with that individual in a very empathic and supportive way."

Bates regularly covers important mental health topics on the 'Men's Mental Health' blog on Substack and the 'Mental Health Nerd' blog on Psychology Today.