How can I get over my fear of deep water, like in the ocean?
112765
I use to be so afraid of water that it wasnt even funny. The only way that i got over that was to just trust myself and make sure that some 1 is there with me at all times when i go into deep water. You have to make sure that the person that is with you, you trust them more then anyone. For me it was my Boyfriend. He helped me with my "water problem" and now we go swimming all the time during the summer. You just have to have enouph trust in yourself and another when your in the water. It also helps if you take a class for swimming. I use to be afraid because i couldnt breath under water. So what i would do is when i take a bath jus hold my head under the water to see how long i could do it. Take it slow and good luck
41646
face your fear.  First mentally.  Overcome the idea, then go somewhere high but safe with someone you trust.
345119
See a therapist.Don't try that "face your fears" stuff-you don't want to have hysterics when your plane is at 35000 feet do you?There have been cases where people with fear of flying have tried to overcome their phobia by facing it-only to freak out as the plane starts to climb-embarrassing situation certainly.
770831
Just stay frosty and breathe. When you suddenly get anxiety attacks, tell yourself to breathe in and out deeply at a steady rhythm.   Clear your mind before you go to sleep. Remember, real great men know how to empty their minds when needed.\n\nAcceptance is another strategy. You can tell yourself to accept whatever happens and that everything will turn out fine. All the water in the world can never sink a ship unless it gets inside. So stay afloat and just go for the ride.
244772
Marge aphobia...Try soaking your hands in Palmolive..and pretending you are on Fear Factor.   Then reward yourself when you are done
1132296
I'm not, but it's ok. Many people get scared of the water. Overcome the fear and you'll get over it. Even if the beach had a chance of sharks, they live farrrrr into the ocean. Just make sure you have nothing shining on and no blood dripping at on your skin and you'll be ok. (I went into oceans where sharks live there. No accidents. :) )
235580
I am strangly terrified of worms. It gets so bad that after it rains I won't go outside for a long time and I can almost swear I smell them (like a dirty musky smell).\n\nI've even gone as far as to tell my husband that when I die I do not want to be burried underground for the fear of worms and being underground with them. ><\n\nI don't know of any good cures for fears like this (If I knew, I wouldn't have the fears) But people have always told me to "face your fears" Or maybe in your case, get a HUGE container of salt.
3384
walks sunlight and exercise will fix ur fear
386083
I had trouble just flat out doing it but I wasn't afraid of doing it. To fix your fears I'd say go one one of those big twister things that flip you all around and have 3 rings with some guy running it and turning you all around. It'll get you used to flipping. But for the hitting your head part just flip kind of before you're supposed to flip and you should be all set. If you come up too short then just gradually work your way in and the frustration of not doing it right will get you to do a flip and you'll learn that the chances of hitting your head (even for a tall person) is very slim at either end of a pool. The only time I ever hit the bottom bad was when I did a backstroke flip turn and I was pointing right towards the bottom of the pool and I got a bad hang nail. Other than that you should be OK doing flip turns.
337888
I never used to have any fears when i was young.  As im getting older i seem to have loads.  I tend to be too overcautious with life nowadays!  It seems mad but crossing a bridge and looking over the wall to see the ducks in the rivers water is more of now a nail-biting experience.  The only thing i can suggest is a slow step, by step to conquer the fears.  It hasn't yet worked for me, the river that is by that bridge i dread, brings alot of insecurities for me.  A friend died near their from hypertherma and think its a case for me digging up the griefing part of things..  You never know but there could be a reason behind the lift you dread to take to fifth floor.  Theres a lot of emotional tree branches that our brain tend to keep a lock onto...!  Release the locks with the keys you hold in your hand.
129351
Sometimes the reason people may think they are afraid of swimming may be sensory related.  You may not actually be afraid of the water but may the feeling of it may tell you that you don't want to swim.  Try walking in the water and different movements to really get the feel of the water. And practice some breath control above the water to get the feeling of it.  Some places have swim lessons for teens and adults that could help too, or even a private instructor could help you out.
176984
A psychologist would be more qualified to answer this for you. But I'll give it a shot.\n\nI dont know how to get over a fear permanently, but I have a few techniques that may help. \n\nFrom what I've read, a fear is only the reaction to what we dont understand. \n\nFirst, confront the fear, learn everything you can about what you fear and try to understand why you have it in the first place: Is the 9/11 event a factor? Did you, a friend, or family member have a bad experience? \n\nAsk yourself - is your fear really of the flight itself, or are you perhaps afraid of death or hijackers instead? I've even heard of someone who was afraid of SURVIVING in the event of a plane crash in a remote location. \n\nIf its something other than the act of flying in and of itself, then you more likely need to work on this other fear before you can learn to get over the fear of flying. \n\nThen reason with yourself as to why you SHOULDNT fear it. \n\nFor instance, in this case, remember that Driving to wherever you're going is ALOT more dangerous than the flight your taking. Its true - look it up. \n\nWhen flying on a commercial plane, your life is in the hands of only one or two people who have had extensive training, most likely passed their 4 years (or more) of education with flying colors (no pun intended), have lots of experience, and have few distractions. Plus theres hardly ever any traffic and almost no deer...  ;)\n\nWhen driving, your life is in the hands of everyone you pass on the road. All of them only took a few driving classes and most of those people barely passed their exam, and/or are distracted somehow; cell phones, rowdy kids, eating etc. Some dont even have a license, and some are drunk or on drugs. \n\nAnd this may sound stupid, but here it is anyway. Take as many flights as you can afford. Make them short trips to somewhere you've been before (just for more familiarity). The more experience you have with it, the more likely you are to think of it as routine and boring. \nExample: Remember when you first started driving? - it was probably pretty scary the first few times, then the more you got behind that wheel and made it safely to your destination, the less scary it was. I bet that now you dont even think about it anymore and its even become rather dull & boring.\n\nThere are common temporary solutions...\n\nDepending on how long your flight is you could take a sleeping aid. But usually, sleeping aids last for 6 hours or more. Not ideal for, say, a flight from Minnesota to Colorado for example. \n\nIf you want more of a short term effect... get a little tipsy - drink a few an hour or so before you get on the plane. Depending on how you react to alcohol, this could make you more tolerant, and uncaring or even unaware of the event occuring. \nOR it could make you less tolerant and more nauseous than ever - so be sure of your reaction to alcohol before attempting this. Or if you drink enough before the flight you may just fall asleep before the plane even taxis out to the runway. \n\nAs for the take-off part of it... know that it is actually one of the safer parts of the entire flight.\n\nTake a distraction such as a book, video game, or laptop. Or listen to relaxing music.\n\nHypnosis is an option to try, though it may be expensive. \n\nTry to get a loved one who isnt afraid of flying to go with you if possible, for moral support. Going it alone surrounded by strangers can make you more anxious and nervous. \n\nIn conclusion, just try to relax and remember your pilots know what they're doing.\n\nI hope something here was some help and eased your mind a little. And I also hope I didnt make you afraid of driving in the process!! Good Luck!
1086137
The ocean can be very intimidating. I admire you for trying. But more then that, I admire you for asking for help. Kitty is correct when she recommended using a mask & snorkel. Add to that a set of fins and swimming in a calm ocean is relitively simple.\nKick with your fins underwater, not splashing on the surface, and you'll be able to travel through the water with little effort. When using fins, keep arm and hand movement to a minimum, they'll just slow you down. Oh yes, wear a wet suit, it will allow you to be even more bouyant.  In warm water a 3mil wet suit will be fine. \nIf you are wearing a wet suit, mask, snorkel, fins, and swimming in salt water, there is no way you are going to sink!!!!!\nI'm a scuba diver, been one for a long time, and we have to put on ten to sixteen pounds of lead weight to get underwater with what I'm recommending you to wear. \nBut after teaching alot of people to dive, I believe that your real dilemma is a "Panic Attack ." Listen, it doesn't matter if the water is 6 feet deep or a 1000 feet deep. If you can't stand in it with your head out of the water, the feeling can be alittle terrifying. So, what I think you really need to do, is to build you confidence level up by taking professional swimming lessons and practicing. Then, and only then when you are comfortable in the water, will you be able to go out there, let go of the net, and have fun swimming with dolphins.  Been there, done that! Nothing like swimming with large animals in the open ocean..........Good Luck!!!!
490119
Best way to avoid a phobia?  How about just avoid it or over come it.  I have a phobia of highs.  I don't climb ladders or anything and I don't even like to watch people go up high.  I just DON'T do what ever scares me.\n\nIf that is NOT what you ment, you need to CLEARIFY!
482876
Just confront your fear. Go on stage and do something... stay there as long as you have to, you would be temped to leave but don't you have to say there until you're calm down. Fear can only last so much
1022927
Find a swimming pool or a body of water hopefully with cold water and jump in!  It will bring your subconscious back to the serenity of the womb.  Guaranteed to make you feel better.  Can you drive to a beach?  That is the ultimate!  Moods shift fast... you will get better and laugh again.
778191
drink a lot of warm water and try to get really scared