Cymophobia is the fear of waves, or wave-like motions. For some, a fear of the water and the dangers it presents can be tied into this phobia. For others, this syndrome is triggered by bad memories or childhood experiences.
Reasons For This Phobia
The crash of waves against the shore is a beautiful sound to many people. Waves represent the force of water, and they are a symbol of her supremacy and power. However, waves can be deadly. Certain tidal waves, such as tsunamis, can causes extreme loss of life, and injuries to property and belongings. Huge waves appear more frequently in certain regions, such as Hawaii and Thailand, where surfers flock to experience the wonders of the oceans. They delight in riding on large waves that give them a feeling of freedom, control over nature, and even euphoria. For the person with Cymophobia, waves are something to be feared…not sought out.
Natural Disasters Can Be A Trigger
News reports of tidal waves, tsunamis, and even flooding from hurricanes can exacerbate feelings of tension in people afflicted with Cymophobia. They will avoid any mass media stories on waves, and they will even go so far as to avoid the “wave pools” at popular water parks. Activities like surfing, and indeed all sports performed in open water, will be shunned, because they are perceived as risky. Fears of being drowned or suffocated by huge waves will be present whenever a person is near the seaside. Bad weather and choppy water will inspire dark thoughts and fears. Sometimes, the person with this phobia will choose to live away from large bodies of water where waves are always present. They may prefer the “concrete jungle” of large cities, where bodies of water are not commonplace.
Riding in boats, or even watching films like “Titanic” will not be preferred activities for people with this phobia. They will get edgy when water factors into a film or TV programme. An inability to swim can be a primary trigger for the fear of waves. Because the person does not have to skills to survive in the water by themselves, they will become very frightened of waves that might make it easier to lose balance in the water and drown. Feelings of terror and helplessness are common in people with this phobia, and they may have a hard time making people understand exactly why they are so afraid of waves.
Symptoms & Treatment
The symptoms of this phobia include dizziness, headaches, and feelings of nausea and vertigo. Treatment of this phobia may require psychotherapy, alternative therapies such as acupuncture or hypnosis, or panic treatment.
The fear of waves is also referred to as:
- wave fear
- afraid of waves
- wave phobia
