Category: Let's talk
Okay, so most of you don't know this about me, but I have a fear of being submerged in water. It started a while after I was baptized at age ten. When I was about thirteen or fourteen, I was very uncomfortable with taking a bath or getting in a swimming pool. I always told people I didn't like baths because it entails sitting in your own dead skin and dirt, which it does, but that wasn't the primary reason. Anyway, it's been just like that for the past several years, but this summer, my fear of being submerged made rapid progress into semi-hydrophobia. In July, I was washing the dishes and was suddenly frightened by the thought of submerging my hands in dishwater, so now I have to wash dishes differently. Another day, I was doing the laundry, and as I poured detergent into the running machine water, I was frightened by the thought of water accumulating in the machine. Later in July, I went speedboating with my best friend and her family. After much urging, I decided to try tubing. Bad idea! I ended up falling off the tube because we hit a wave and weren't going fast enough to power through or over it. So when the wave went over us, I let go by mistake. I don't know how to swim, but of course,I had a lifejacket on. Despite the fact I was wearing one, I really thought I was going to die. When I finally got back on the boat, I was in tears and scared out of my mind. Since then, I had to take a cold shower last week, and aside from the fact that it was not enjoyable, I was afraid of the water because it was freezing cold, just like the lake water. Now, running water freaks me out, except for when I'm washing my hair or hands. But the running shower or tap, and even fountains scare me. The only thing not stopping me from taking a shower is that I know I need to be clean and I enjoy the feeling of showering.
I really don't know what to do about this, but I have to get rid of it somehow. I highly doubt this phobia could progress to the point of me not washing, but who really knows? I never thought it would get as far as it has, but here I am.
Does anyone else have any bothersome fear/s they'd like to share, or advice to offer?
My only advice is to seek out a therapist or counselor who has experience helping people with phobias. I don't think this is something you can just talk yourself out of; I think you need professional help or it will just keep getting worse.
Well, I'm the same way. I'm afraid of the shower running due to the fact that it will wash me out down the drain somewhere, but I do have to take a shower, you know. Also, I'm afraid of the toilets especially in public restrooms. If I really have to go then I can deal with it, but best believe I'm trying and doing my best to get out of there asap. It's the noise it makes and some bathrooms at school are like that too. All I can see is this big opening that I will get stuck in and will be there all my life. More worst me drowning because I can't...swim... If I can get out the bathroom at all is a big thing for me. So yeah...I have problems too. Oh and another one is men...men are just terrible and a room full of them creep! me! out! So if there isn't other women or girls around I'm not around.
I agree with Becky. I too think you need to find a counselor or therapist experienced with phobias. Some find needing counseling a shameful thing, but I don't think so. I actually think getting help is one of the strongest, most courageous things someone can do when they need it. Your phobia is clearly getting worse, and beginning to effect your daily life. To me, that's when it's time to find help.
Thirding the find a counselor suggestion.
That said, on your own, you could also try some examination of yourself. What about submersion is scary, precisely? Is it not being able to feel ground below you? Is it not being able to breathe? Is it the loss of control you feel underwater? Or is it something else?
Once you start to figure that out, then you can start working on some very safe, basic, immersion techniques. For example, if you're afraid of not being able to breathe, you could first try timing how long you can comfortably hold your breath, then start trying to extend it by a second a week, then hold your breath for a comfortable time while you're taking a shower, and so on.
I think you've made the first step by admitting this, not just to yourself as you've done that for some time, but to others. I persnally believe there is no way to overcome even major problems let alone phobias without honesty. now I agree with those before me who've advised you seak some professional help. you're strong enough to beat this, but phobias are nothing to laugh at, or to take lightly. many people laugh at such ideas, because one's phobia is the easiest thing in the world to another. But we all find some things scary, so take heart that no matter if you don't find people who share the same phobia, there are many of us that have others and likewise should get help if it became as serious as yours has become.
Congratulations on beginning the search for help.
I don't like the absence of ground below me, the inability to breathe and hear, and water in my ears. I'm afraid to talk to my parents about it because they might just tell me to pray instead of discussing counseling.
Do your parents need to be involved now you're at college? do you not have some form of counseling available there as a student? If so, the college counseler may have access to other people that could help more if they themselves can't.
I also have a fear of sudden loud noises. I have no idea why. A few people have suggested to me that as a baby, something happened that caused me to associate loud noises with something dangerous. I don't know what it is. I just know I'm afraid of it. Fireworks, balloons popping, alarms, you name it, I'm scared of it. Not the device itself, but the sound it makes. So believe me, you're not alone in your struggles with a phobia.
There's really no deep meaning behind that one. Loud noises are jolting and scary. That's the point of an alarm, after all, right?
Anyway, yes, if you're at college, go talk to the mental health service center on your campus. Your parents don't need to be involved - you're old enough to take care of yourself in matters like this.
Yeah, but I'll do anything I possibly can to avoid that sort of thing.
that's not good; the best way to get over it Jess, is to face it. nuff said.
Who would willingly listen to an alarm or sit next to a balloon being popped? I'd focus more on the water issue, really. I think you could get that fixed much more simply.
Well, a lot of people have a phobia of that type of stuff...but yeah go see a counselor about this...you need this fixed.
generally speaking, the only way to conquer ones fears is by facing them head on. that, and trying to figure out where the fear stems from in the first place.
I think that's what most counselors will ask you anyway, if you go in for help. Do you have any idea what may be causing this fear. I've heard that sometimes, if you have a really supportive friend of family member, someone who will support you, and won't make fun of you no matter what, they can help you face your fear. The best way to do it, I find, is a little bit at a time. For example, sorry....but to use my sound fear as an example again, I've gradually been helping it get better bit by bit by listening to calming music in headphones when I know a sudden loud noise will pop up. Then, when that doesn't scare me anymore, I'll start listening to calming music just on speaker. This is as far as I've gotten so far, but even though I know this is going to sound like I'm talking to you like you're in kindergarten, try taking baby steps. Your mind can only handle so much at a time. I've tried facing my phobia head on, and it made it worse. And, like I said, make sure that you have someone there to support you who will be firm, but encouraging.
it's all in the mind, though, that's the thing. having gone through a traumatic experience, that's one thing I've learned.
O, it is, definitely, but the mind is a lot more powerful than we give it credit for.