Demystifying Phobias: 15 Fearful Situations and How to Overcome Them

9. Aquaphobia

Aquaphobia, or fear of water, is one of the more varied types of phobia. It can range from a fear of large bodies of water, like oceans or deep lakes, to a fear of being wet. Most people with aquaphobia avoid water-based activities, like boating, fishing or swimming, even if they know how to swim. In more severe cases, people with aquaphobia may feel anxious about bathing or taking showers, getting splashed with water, or being in the rain. This fear typically manifests in the form of anxiety attacks, including difficulty breathing and an inability to move. People with aquaphobia are typically afraid of drowning, even when there is no real threat of doing so.