The fear of high water is a phobia like many others. Overcoming it is possible, but it may take some time!
Steps
Step 1. Admit you are afraid
You don't have to be ashamed of being afraid of high water. Accept reality and don't be ashamed of it.
Step 2. Think about what your greatest fear is
What's the worst that could happen? It sounds strange but it is not at all. Evaluate realistic phobias, you are certainly not afraid of water because you are afraid of encountering sea monsters. Rationalize and know your fears. The Sharks? They attack more frequently in shallow water and luckily there is not much chance that this can happen. An octopus? It is an animal that does not attack humans. Think about what really scares you and see if it's really worth it.
Step 3. Try to bathe in shallow water and observe your reactions
At each step try to understand if you feel uncomfortable and what mechanisms are triggered in your mind. Face your fear gradually, try to analyze what terrifies you and why. Not sure you can swim well? Are you afraid of fish? Or something else? Find the reason for your fear. Recognizing it will help you overcome it.
Step 4. Once you have identified what is behind your fear, try to do what you feel, move to the area where you are safe and slowly try to make small progress
It is like practicing a sport, with training you can achieve results over time. There is no guarantee that you will be able to overcome your fear of high water, but at least you will try to have fun with friends and swim where you still touch.
Advice
- Bathe, but where you still touch, near the edge of the pool or by maintaining contact with a float.
- Don't think of anything terrifying. Focus on relaxing images. Let yourself go and have fun, get rid of your anxiety and don't let anyone make fun of you.
- Do not try to overcome your fear by immediately diving into the high water of the sea or a lake. It's dangerous.
- Swim in the pool near the edge. As you overcome your fear, gradually move away from the edge. To overcome fear, try diving for a few seconds with your head underwater.
- Take it one step at a time. Don't let others pressure you. Accept the help of others but only do what you feel like.
- Look at some photos of the water, do not immediately seek contact with high water. Try shallow water first and proceed step by step. When you feel safe, try swimming in deep water, but not alone, next to someone who knows how to notice and has experience.
Warnings
- Don't watch movies like "Titanic", "Cruel Jaws" or "Radio Rock Revolution".
- Don't swim alone. If you swim in the sea, always check the weather forecast and do not bother the aquatic animals.
- Even if you think you swim very well, don't venture too far and always keep yourself safe.
