Interestingly enough, I had a big fear of dogs. I don’t really know why because I’ve never had a traumatic experience with them (thank God I never got bitten).
I also feared being alone, darkness (but not much) and heights. Woah, I was a fearful kid.
Today, well, I only fear those big, aggressive dogs like kangals and rottweilers. As for darkness and loneliness, nah.
I just learned about five years ago that my fear is called thalassophobia, but specifically dark water. Its strength has waxed and waned, but it’s never gone away. I even know what event made it happen and realize it’s irrational, but it doesn’t make a difference.
I used to frequent a subreddit for this, as I have it too. Even when people read the description of what it is, they think you’re just afraid of water. It’s the unknown of what might be down in the dark that terrifies.
Yeah, my imagination goes into overdrive, and it’s terrifying.
I guess I have this too but only when I’m swimming. I don’t mind when I’m in a ship.
Also doesn’t have to be deep, kicks in as soon as I can’t see or touch the bottom.
Yeah, it’s definitely about the part of the water where you can’t see that triggers me. I guess “deep” enough for that.
Please tell us more about the event! This is the internet, should be mostly anonymous…
When I was less than five years old, my dad would direct my attention to the outlines of the trees in the dark night sky to scare me into putting the covers over my head, so I’d fall asleep.
Once me and my wife went down to the ocean at night and I went in. After a few minutes I came out and told her that I fully understand the fear of the ocean at night now.
Yeah, it’s a hard phobia to fight because the ocean is dangerous and full of monsters.