woman looking at ocean alone

What is Thalassophobia and How Does it Affect People?

There’s a reason why many people choose beach vacations when they’re planning a getaway. Oceans and “blue spaces” can help improve your mental health, according to research. One 2024 study published in Environment and Behavior showed that people who watched marine life in a tank of water experienced slower heart rates and better moods. A 2024 study published in Scientific Reports also found a relationship between frequent visits to blue spaces and positive well-being scores.

Spending time near the water is considered by many to be calming and even inspirational. But for other people, the ocean and other large bodies of water don’t induce a state of relaxation — they trigger anxiety. Though the majority of the Earth’s surface, around 71%, is covered in water (per USGS), these waterways can seem intimidating for several reasons, from the possibility of drowning to the thought of coming in contact with a shark or other dangerous water creatures (via Medical News Today).

In some cases, a fear of large bodies of water can even spiral into an intense phobia.

Here’s what it means to have thalassophobia

ocean and blue sky

Thalassophobia is the extreme fear of the ocean or other bodies of water, according to Medical News Today. While water can be dangerous in certain scenarios, like during a storm (per Centers for Disease Control and Prevention), people with thalassophobia experience fear even when water conditions are safe (via Medical News Today). As a result, they may avoid entering the water, traveling on boats, or being near beaches and shores.

Similar to other anxiety disorders, symptoms of the phobia can include trouble concentrating, increased heart rate, shortness of breath, upset stomach, or a feeling of dread or impending doom (per Healthline). In severe cases, the fear may also lead to a panic attack.

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Thalassophobia, along with other types of phobias, are irrational, but that doesn’t mean they appear without reason. PsychCentral explains several possible explanations for thalassophobia including genetics, a dysfunction in brain wiring, or picking up the fear during childhood from a family member who modeled it. Other people may only develop the phobia later in life after a traumatic experience involving a large body of water.

People with thalassophobia don’t have to stay away from oceans, lakes, and rivers for good. Luckily, therapy, anxiety medications, and relaxation techniques can help those affected by the phobia overcome their fears.

Lesa O'Leary
Lesa O'Leary

Lesa is a dynamic member of OzHelp’s Service Delivery Team as the Service Delivery Team Leader and Nurse. She has been with OzHelp for five years and believes in leading by example. Lesa has experience in the not-for-profit sector, as well as many roles throughout different industries and sectors, including as a contractor to the Department of Defence. She has expertise in delivering OzHelp’s health and wellbeing programs and engaging with clients in a relaxed and comfortable manner that aligns with the organisation’s vision and objectives.

Lesa has a Certificate 4 in Nursing from Wodonga Tafe, Certificate 4 in Mental Health from Open Colleges, and is currently undertaking a Certificate 4 in Training and Assessment from Tafe NSW. For the past few months Lesa has been an Education and Memberships committee member of the ACT Branch of the National Association of Women in Construction (NAWIC).