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Environmental Phobias

Submechanophobia: Fear of Submerged Man-Made Objects

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Let’s Dive into Submechanophobia

Submechanophobia, also known as the fear of submerged man-made objects, is a unique and lesser-known phobia that affects people in various ways. It can cause intense and irrational anxiety when encountering or even thinking about structures like ships, submarines, planes, cars, or statues submerged beneath the water’s surface.

While it may sound unusual, this fear can be distressing for those who experience it. Read on as we explore submechanophobia, its symptoms, possible causes, and treatments.

 

Understanding Submechanophobia

Do large dark objects looming beneath the water’s surface cause a sense of panic and dread? Do structures such as old docks, large boats or even large trees make you feel the need to move away? Do you perhaps keep the fear to yourself? In many cases, this fear may be natural.

Fearing large unknown structures underwater may be part of our fight or flight response. We may not know if the item is a living being, something that may rush to the surface and cause you harm. But sometimes this fear goes beyond a normal response. Sometimes it can take over our thoughts and disrupt our daily lives.

You might wonder how common submechanophobia is, but it’s challenging to provide those statistics. Many individuals may not even realize they have this specific fear. Often, people associate their anxious feelings with other fears such as that of deep water or drowning, rather than recognizing the underlying cause. Learning the true basis of your fear is important as you begin your journey to overcome it.

Potential Causes of Submechanophobia

The exact causes of submechanophobia remain largely unknown, but experts suggest several factors that may contribute to the development of this fear. These potential causes can vary from person to person, and a combination of them may play a role.

Past Traumatic Experiences

One possible cause is past traumatic experiences related to submerged objects. For some individuals, a distressing encounter with a submerged object in their childhood or witnessing an accident involving such objects can create a lasting association between these objects and fear.

Exposure to Underwater Accidents

Another factor could be exposure to underwater accidents, either in real life or through the media. Viewing or hearing about incidents involving submerged objects can contribute to the development of submechanophobia, as it reinforces the idea that these objects may pose hidden dangers.

Fear of the Unknown

Psychologists theorize that submechanophobia may be linked to a general fear of the unknown. Submerged objects hidden beneath the water’s surface often evoke a sense of mystery and uncertainty. The fear may arise from the imagination filling in the gaps about what might be lurking beneath, feeding the anxiety.

Evolutionary Instincts

It’s also possible that submechanophobia has roots in our evolutionary past. As humans evolved near water sources for survival, our ancestors may have developed an innate sense of caution around unfamiliar objects in water as a means of self-preservation.

Individual Differences

Additionally, individual differences in personality, genetics, and life experiences may contribute to the development of submechanophobia. What triggers this fear in one person may not affect another in the same way.

While these factors offer insights into the potential causes of submechanophobia, each person’s experience with this fear is unique. Some individuals may identify with one or more of these factors, while others may not. Understanding the possible causes can provide valuable insight into the nature of submechanophobia and may help individuals explore effective ways to address and overcome their fears.

How to Overcome Submechanophobia – Treatment Options

Overcoming submechanophobia is a unique journey for each individual, but there are various self-help techniques to explore. Gradual exposure therapy is a common approach, where individuals gradually expose themselves to images or videos of submerged objects to build tolerance and reduce anxiety levels over time. Breathing exercises, meditation, and visualization techniques can also help manage anxiety symptoms associated with submechanophobia.

For those with severe submechanophobia, seeking professional help from a therapist or counselor who specializes in phobias may be beneficial. Therapists can offer guidance and support through cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) or other evidence-based treatments tailored to your needs.

Self-Help for Submechanophobia

Educate Yourself

Learn about submechanophobia to better understand your fear and realize you are not alone in experiencing it.

Gradual Exposure Therapy

Try gradual exposure therapy to manage your fear. Start with less anxiety-inducing situations like looking at pictures or videos of submerged objects. Gradually progress to more challenging scenarios, such as visiting a swimming pool or aquarium.

Mindfulness Techniques

Use mindfulness techniques to reduce anxiety and increase relaxation. Focus on the present moment, practice deep breathing exercises, and engage in relaxation methods like meditation or yoga.

Seek Support

Reach out to friends, family, or support groups who understand your fear. Sharing your concerns and experiences with others who have faced similar situations can be comforting and offer valuable insights.

Understand that overcoming submechanophobia takes time and patience, and progress may vary from person to person. Utilizing self-help strategies and seeking appropriate support when needed can lead to conquering your fear and living a more fulfilling life.

Professional Help for Submechanophobia

Seek professional help if submechanophobia significantly affects your daily life. Consider assistance from mental health professionals who specialize in anxiety disorders or specific phobias like submechanophobia. These therapists can guide you through evidence-based therapies to help you overcome your fears. Here are some professional therapies to consider:

Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

CBT is a common treatment for phobias, including submechanophobia. It involves working with your therapist to challenge negative thought patterns related to submerged man-made objects and gradually exposing yourself to feared situations in a controlled manner.

Relaxation Techniques

Therapists may use relaxation techniques such as deep breathing exercises and mindfulness practices to help manage anxiety symptoms associated with submechanophobia.

Reframing Strategies

Therapists can teach you strategies to reframe your thoughts and emotions regarding submerged objects, promoting a more balanced perspective.

And remember, there’s no shame in seeking help. Such action is a positive step toward your better well-being. Qualified experts can guide you in overcoming this fear and regaining control of your life.

Living with Submechanophobia

Living with submechanophobia can be challenging, because it involves constant fear and anxiety triggered by submerged man-made objects. However, you are not alone. Online forums and support groups offer a sense of solidarity and guidance. Self-help strategies and professional assistance can help individuals manage and overcome this fear.

In Conclusion

Submechanophobia is a relatively common phobia that can cause significant distress. Its symptoms vary from person to person and can include physical and psychological reactions. While the exact causes remain uncertain, understanding the potential factors can aid in overcoming this fear. Self-help techniques and professional therapy are valuable tools for managing submechanophobia, and with time and patience, it’s possible to reclaim control over your fear and lead a more fulfilling life.

 

Stories Submitted by Our Readers

My Fear of Water

I am a senior citizen that has a terrible fear of water. This fear has haunted me my entire life. I never went swimming in the river, pond, or swimming pool even though all my friends would invite me all the time to go with them. Just the thought of wading in the water would cause me to freak out. I would tremble and couldn’t breathe.
In high school in order to pass physical education, you had to learn to swim. My teacher would not listen to me and told me to get in the pool. The first few days, I stood in the shallow end and held onto the side of the pool the entire time. When the next week came, she said you can at least float. I told her I was scared. She told me she would hold onto me, and we would stay in the shallow end. Well, she lied. She got me to the deep end and slowly let go. As soon as the water touched my ear, I grabbed her neck, and we went to the bottom of the pool. It took 6 other girls to pull us up and out of the pool. Well, I failed gym class.
As an adult, my children wanted me to take them to the pool. Of course, my fear would set in. My thoughts were never about my children drowning but my fear of getting in the water. I always asked a friend to go swimming with us just in case my child got in trouble. The good news is that now my children are adults and can swim.
The fear is not just of swimming. I cannot take a bath; it has to be a shower. If the water hits my face, I freak out. I have fallen many times in the shower just due to my fear. I run from the shower and shake all over. I have learned how to cover my eyes and lean backward to wash my hair, but my heart is pounding the entire time.
If anyone out there has such a fierce fear of water, I certainly hope you know others feel this fear and you are not alone. I hope you can learn how to swim or deal with your fear that it does not control you.

SUBMIT YOUR STORY

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Your Fear Goes Up and Down

Are you someone who would rather climb the stairs than take the elevator? You call it squeezing in a workout after being sedentary the whole morning. Or perhaps you claim it's a faster route. These are both typical, normal, and acceptable reasons. But what if you need to be in the conference room on the eleventh floor in five minutes, and you're wearing your business suit and wingtips? Would you still prefer to take the stairs? If your answer is yes, then maybe it's time to take a closer look at your reasons for avoiding elevators. Elevators stir all sorts of emotions in passengers. From the discomfort of closeness to strangers to the sensations in our gut, elevators can be a source of the heebie-jeebies for many, but for some, they can also be a source of terror. Let's dig a little deeper into the latter, and see what this terror is all about and what can be done to manage it. To begin with, does being inside an elevator give you chills or the sweats? Or does it trigger an unpleasant memory? Perhaps you remember movies you've watched where something terrible happens inside an elevator. From Silence of the Lambs, The Shining, Final Destination 2, or the king of all elevator horror films, 2010’s Devil, the elevator becomes witness to something sinister and horrible. And you want nothing to do with any of it. You know that you're not claustrophobic. You can deal with heights just fine, too. And you know that you're not going to be trapped inside. All of these contribute to a fear of elevators—but they don't apply to you. Yet being inside one does something to you. It's hard to explain.

What is the Fear of Elevators Called?

What you have is a fear of elevators, which is called elevatophobia. It is most commonly triggered by an experience of getting stuck inside either due to a power outage or technical maintenance. Hearing about other people's experiences or watching a movie about similar circumstances can prompt a fear of elevators getting stuck with you inside. Usually, claustrophobics and agoraphobics may also develop elevatophobia because the triggers and objects of these fears are related. Claustrophobia is the fear of closed and cramped spaces, while agoraphobia is the fear of being trapped without any means of escape. Put the two together, and the elevator becomes the perfect combination of both phobias. The space is limited and closed, with only one means of entry and exit. You can add another point of access if you consider climbing the cables like they do in the movies, but that certainly isn't ideal.

Symptoms of Elevatophobia

If for some reason an elevator stops due to an outage or some technical difficulty, passengers with elevatophobia may go into full panic mode. Even if the maintenance team advises that it will just be a matter of minutes, by then, the person's mind has become irrational with the fear of the elevator falling, being stuck for hours, or other unpleasant thoughts. You would expect a person to exhibit the following physical symptoms: Additionally, you would be filled with that overwhelming anxiety where you feel that you have zero control over the situation. You start fearing the unknown and are filled with negative thoughts about death and imminent doom. You become irrational and unresponsive.

Possible Complications of Elevatophobia

When the panic sets in, the possibility of emergencies related to pre-existing conditions may make themselves known. This might include serious health crises like heart attacks or asthma attacks. When this happens, fear becomes a medical emergency. Elevator rides do not last long; it's just a matter of minutes or even less. But the fact that a person can escalate from panic to a near fatal medical situation classifies the fear of elevators as a 'hard phobia.'

Trying Some Self-Help Methods

Your fear of elevators can likely interfere with your social and work life and relationships. Not everyone understands that elevatophobia, like most phobias, can be crippling. But don't be disheartened. Depending on the level of your fear and level of control, you can gradually face and manage your phobia. Here are some recommendations you can try:
  1. Make a List of Everything that Entails Riding in an Elevator This is a systematic approach to getting over your anxiety. By following a step-by-step process, you can identify where the fear kicks in at its strongest. You can write a list of steps like pressing the topmost button and waiting to arrive on that floor, watching as the door closes and opens, being alone inside the elevator, or having delays with the doors opening. Now try doing the opposite. For example, face away from the door or occupy yourself with your phone so that you are distracted.
  2. Create Your Fear Ladder Although the name says fear of elevators, it is not the whole process that scares you. There are just phases and parts of the elevator riding experience that cause you to panic. So go back to the list you initially created and label the fear level you feel. You can do it numerically, too, like ten being 'really scary,' six, 'manageable scary,' and one, 'not scary at all.' You can put the corresponding fear levels so you can focus more time and effort into activities that are more scary to you.
  3. Face Your Fear By now, you have identified what scares you the most. You can try repetitive action to minimize your fear and increase your sense of ‘normalcy’. Remember that the longer you expose yourself to your fear, the better you get at handling your emotions. If you are feeling overwhelmed, stop. Pushing yourself too fast and too soon can backfire. Modify your pace and go slower instead.
  4. Talk About Your Fear People by nature, unfortunately, are not quick to offer understanding and support. You need to tell them what's wrong before they can empathize. Talk to someone who you trust and ask for their support, especially in the initial phase of overcoming your fear. If you are too afraid to ride the elevator alone, you can ask them to go with you, and before you realize it, you are on your floor, and there was no indication of panic.
  5. Learn To Be Patient Be patient with yourself and your predicament. This is, after all, your fight against fear. It might take hundreds of elevator ride practices before the fear gets under control. Even then, there might be some hesitations and episodes of nervousness. These are acceptable and expected, so cut yourself some slack and congratulate yourself for every progress.

Seeking Professional Help

Along with self-help, you can always enlist a medical professional's aid to support you with your elevatophobia. Talking to someone who has experience with similar cases can be comforting, because you know that you are not alone, and this situation can get better. Talk to your doctor about the severity of your fears and the symptoms that you experience. Explain how you deal with it in an attempt to control it. An exam and a health history are made to ensure that there are no unrelated or underlying problems that your symptoms might mask. Usually, phobias like this are approached with a combination of psychotherapy and medication. Your doctor will talk about these options with you, and it's entirely up to you, with your doctor's recommendation, what you want to pursue. For psychotherapy, the most common type is cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), which aims to help you find different ways of behaving, thinking, and reacting when about to step inside an elevator or when already inside it. With medications, there are beta blockers and benzodiazepines, but note that these can have side effects. Whatever these side effects are, you should promptly share it with your doctor.

Simple Tips to Overcome Elevatophobia

Elevators are not perfect, but their likelihood to malfunction, fall, or get stuck is very low. If you are not fully confident with this information, you can help overcome your elevatophobia by learning common elevator safety tips and basic elevator operations. These should help curb your mild fear until you become more self-assured. In addition to that, here are some of the things that you can do to gradually overcome your fear of elevators—both in getting on and riding one.

Conclusion

Yes, elevatophobia can be a challenge in today's world, but don't allow the elevator to win. Don't let it stop you from taking a job on the top floor or attending a social gathering on the rooftop. Sure, you can take the stairs if you insist and arrive winded and sweaty, with the party about to wrap up. But is this the quality of life you seek? Elevators are designed to make life easier. There are guaranteed ways to help you overcome elevatophobia. Take the first step and seek help. Soon, you’ll see yourself breezing through the floors with those arduous stair climbs little more than a memory.
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