Thalassophobia
Thalassophobia
Thalassophobia (pronounced: tha·las·so·pho·bia, /θəˌlasəˈfōbēə/) is a specific phobia characterized by an intense and persistent fear of the sea or sea travel.
Etymology
The term 'Thalassophobia' is derived from the Greek words 'thalassa' meaning 'sea' and 'phobos' meaning 'fear'.
Definition
Thalassophobia is a clinical fear of the sea or sea travel, but it can also generally apply to fear of being in large bodies of water, fear of the vast emptiness of the sea, and fear of distance from land.
Symptoms
Individuals with Thalassophobia may experience symptoms such as rapid heartbeat, shortness of breath, trembling, and an overwhelming desire to flee from the source of fear when they are near the sea or large bodies of water.
Related Terms
- Aquaphobia: An intense fear of water, regardless of its size or presence. It is often confused with Thalassophobia, but they are not the same. Aquaphobia is a fear of all water or any body of water, while Thalassophobia is specifically a fear of large bodies of water.
- Hydrophobia: A term often used interchangeably with Aquaphobia, but it is technically a symptom of rabies and is characterized by a difficulty in swallowing, and panic at the thought of drinking.
- Ombrophobia: The fear of rain, which can be related to Thalassophobia as it involves water, but it is a separate phobia on its own.
Treatment
Treatment for Thalassophobia, like many phobias, often involves a combination of therapy and medication. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is commonly used to help individuals understand and change thought patterns that lead to fear and anxiety.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Thalassophobia
- Wikipedia's article - Thalassophobia
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