How Can You Overcome Your Fear of Water?

24 Jun How Can You Overcome Your Fear of Water?

While many people enjoy swimming and splashing in the water, there are some who fear even getting near any kind of body of water. If you are an aquaphobe, then check out a few tips that will show you how you can overcome your fear of water.

Types of Treatment

Aquaphobia, like most forms of phobias, is usually treated with psychotherapy through two methods: exposure therapy and cognitive-behavioral therapy.

With exposure therapy, you will have to be exposed repeatedly to your source of phobia, which is water in this case. Your therapist will monitor the responses, feelings, emotional state, and sensations so he can help you control your anxiety.

Cognitive-behavioral therapy is about finding coping mechanisms when faced with negative patterns of thinking when near water.

Start Doing Exercises in Shallow Water

Whatever beginner exercises you are given should be all done in shallow water. The water level should not be above your chest so that you can feel safe at all times.

Swim Only in Clear Water

We recommend that you get accustomed to water in a swimming pool first, as there are no waves and the water is clear. This way, you will be able to keep your balance and have lower anxiety as you can see what is and what isn’t in the water.

Use Swimming Goggles

Most people that first start out with a how can you overcome your fear of water guide, opt to wear swimming goggles while practicing your exercises. Those who are afraid of the water get panicked when they do not see things when the waves hit their faces. While practicing shallow dives, you can wear the goggles to not get water in your eyes. By keeping your eyes open all the time, you can relax and get used to the feeling of being underwater.

Bring Someone You Trust or Ask the Help of an Instructor

Bring a person you trust to be a good swimmer so you can be relaxed around water when you do your exercises.

If you cannot get any of your friends because of their schedule, you should ask help from one of the trainers and lifeguards at the pool and explain your condition.

Practice in Uncrowded Places

The best time to be at the pool is when it’s not crowded, as you will have less anxiety and more room around you. This way, you can also keep your distance from other people who are splashing around too much and distracting you from your therapy.

Learn How Water Works

By looking into the properties of water and how it works around you, you get to learn the aspects of buoyancy, what happens when it goes in our ears or nose, how to move through it, etc. Remember, we are most scared of the unknown. The more you learn about water, the less you will have to fear.

Breathe and Visualize

Before going in the water, try doing some relaxation techniques, such as breathing or visualization, so you can use them immediately when panic kicks in while you are in the pool.

We hope that the tips presented in the article will help you learn how to swim without anxiety.