What is Hydrophobia
Hydrophobia is defined as an abnormal and persistent fear of water. It is a specific phobia that involves a level of fear that is beyond the patient's control or that may interfere with daily life. People demonstrate their aqua phobia in many ways and may experience it even though they realize the water in a swimming pool or open water, even a bathtub, poses no imminent threat. They may avoid such activities as bathing, boating, traveling over bodies of water and most commonly putting their face in water, entering water over their heads and swimming in any way, shape or form.Their fear of water may prevent them from ever stepping foot in water, other than a shower, let alone learning how to float, tread or swim, and being in a position to be able to help themselves or somebody else who is in need of assistance while in water. In addition to these physical barriers, there are many emotional wounds and scars that result from hydrophobia, such as diminished self esteem and confidence, feelings of guilt, shame or failure, internal problem solving conflicts, as well as a decreased willingness and ability to confront new challenges. Furthermore hydrophobia sufferers may endure a lifetime of their fear impacting their relationships with family and friends
Some of the more common physical reactions seen in a person with hydrophobia, when they are near or around water, are increased heart rate, nausea, headache, uncontrollable shaking, sweating, as well as the ability to think clearly or be able to react normally and control their body. All of these symptoms are the result of high levels of emotional and physical stress that the body endures during a phobic episode. This phobia knows no boundaries and can affect anyone regardless of age, gender, fitness level, or life experience.
What Can Be Done About Hydrophobia
There are very specific aqua phobic water adjustment skills and transitional swim techniques that must be part of a strategy that also includes emotional support both in and out of the water. This emotional support is best offered by a mental health professional that can use behavior modification as well as relaxation techniques as part of the process. A clear presentation of exactly what a phobia is, how it works, and what is required to overcome it is also important for the participant to understand and embrace.Another point that must be a part of any discussion regarding the most effective format to address the needs of "The Forgotten Ones" is that no matter what age an aqua phobic is, both their aquatic, emotional and cognitive needs are unique yet common to everyone in that group and cannot be over looked, minimized or ignored. There is absolutely no disagreement among professionals from both the fitness and mental health communities, that the more physically fit one feels, the better they feel internally about themselves and that the aquatic world offers a wide variety of ways to achieve a higher level of physical and mental health.
Fear can serve as a powerful motivator rather than a painful deterrent. Fear remains an important part of our mental arsenal that protects us from making unhealthy choices and helps us to avoid dangerous situations. However, when that fear becomes abnormal, and disrupts one's ability to make safe choices and pursue healthy activities, then steps need to be taken to help that person overcome those barriers. It is understandable that in most cases therapists who treat phobias are not trained and accomplished swim instructors, which compromises their efforts to help aquaphobics thrive in an aquatic setting.
It is also unfair to expect that all aquatic professionals understand the emotional component of aqua phobia and can apply the skills necessary to help a phobic overcome their fear. The good news is that there are hybrid professionals who are trained as both mental health and aquatic professionals and who are aware that helping this population of "The Forgotten Ones" requires a strategy that combines both "mental health and wellness" and "aquatic" components.
Aquaphobia does not need to be a lifelong sentence and can actually offer an opportunity for children and adults to overcome a very large obstacle and feel enormously proud of themselves, their effort and their success. With the right support and guidance, those suffering from an extreme and abnormal fear of water can overcome that overwhelming and paralyzing fear and move on to enjoy a lifestyle that includes swimming, boating, scuba diving and many other aquatic activities.
