Thalassophobia – Fear of open water
About 1 to 3% of people in the United States suffer from thalassophobia. A person with thalassophobia experiences fears and anxiety about the sea or another large body of water. They do not want to be near the ocean and avoid visiting beaches or traveling on boats.
In severe cases, symptoms of thalassophobia can be triggered by mere images or thoughts of the ocean and will activate the fight or flight response of the individual. Being near a body of water can cause panic attacks, lightheadedness, hyperventilation, and the feeling of being choked.