If you suffer from aquaphobia, the abnormal and persistent fear of water is often beyond your control. The incapacity to deal with water can greatly interfere with your daily activities. Just like other phobias, aquaphobia--though it is prevalent and sometimes debilitating--is curable. To successfully treat this anxiety disorder, it is important for you to understand the various causes of aquaphobia. It is also important to have the initiative to eliminate it. Causes of Aquaphobia People who suffer from aquaphobia are often afraid of the water no matter what, even in situations when they have realized that an ocean, a river, a swimming pool, or even a bathtub poses no imminent threat. They may avoid activities like swimming and boating even if they have mastered the craft, simply because of the anxiety created by the presence of water. Aquaphobia can do unusual things to your psyche, and may prove burdensome in instances when you should be enjoying a vacation, the outdoors, the sun, or the water. Tracing the cause of your fear is tremendous in curing aquaphobia once and for all. Medical professionals believe that aquaphobia is often caused by specific personal experiences or biological factors. You may have developed the phobia due to a traumatic water experience, or may have simply failed to acquire enough experience in the water through the years. The latter is more about cultural limitations, such as growing up in a desert and the like. Also, you may suffer from an instinctive reaction to the water that is a separate cause from any observable factor, which is a gut reaction that limits your fundamental comfort level with water activities. Confusion Between Aquaphobia and Hydrophobia People sometimes refer to the fear of water as hydrophobia, which is in fact a symptom of latter stage rabies. It denotes the difficulty of humans to swallow, the fear of drinking liquids, and the inability to quench one's thirst. In Greek etymology, hydro means water. In Latin, though, aqua also means water. However, since hydrophobia was first used to describe late-stage rabies, "aquaphobia" is the correct term to use when describing the fear of water. Tips on Getting Rid of Aquaphobia Summer is fun, but mainly because of the water activities involved. From jet skiing to para-sailing, from snorkeling to scuba diving, water activities are some of the best recreational sports you can enjoy. If you've wanted to hit the beach for quite some time now, but are not so crazy about swimming or even dipping your foot into the water, then you should probably get rid of your aquaphobia. The fear of water can be a tear in your social life, but if there is any consolation, you do not need professional help to overcome this phobia. There are proven ways to help you conquer the fear and eliminate the irrationality associated to it. Here is an effective step-by-step approach to a water-bound you:

Empowerment by Learning. By simply having the necessary knowledge and facts, through explanations and active demonstrations, you can have a positive behavioral change regarding the fear of water. Research aquaphobia, from the definition to the causes. This will enable you to understand the facets of the phobia and realize that it is treatable.

Do Not Fear the Unknown. People are often hesitant or even fearful of what they are not familiar with. The appearance of water alone can be quite frightening, especially if you aren't exposed to it often. It can be a daunting task to simply engage in water activities without prior experience. You should understand, though, that avoiding it won't help. Ask people who are not fearful of the water and listen to them with an open mind.

Have a Rational Mindset. Humans are natural born floaters. The ability of your body to achieve natural buoyancy allows you to float in the water, as long as you do not panic and disturb the balance. By simply relaxing and not showing any resistance whatsoever, you can float in the water for hours. Just like things thrown in the water--some fall, some float. Humans float.

Take the First Step. By gradually exposing yourself to a swimming pool or body of water, you are actually slowly reinforcing your mind about the leisurely opportunities water activities can bring. You are also conditioning your mind not to treat water as the harbinger of death.

Think a Happy Thought. Just like Peter Pan, thinking a happy thought can bring you immense joy and the ability to do something beyond your imagination. While Peter Pan can fly with a sprinkle of dust and a happy thought, you can actually swim and completely remove your fear of water with a little courage and some imagination. Just sit by the pool and allow yourself to relax. Visualize yourself in a safe place and rely on imagination every time you begin to feel fearful. Just be sure to have someone with you, since being alone may trigger anxiety. Having someone along provides you a greater sense of security as well.

Feel the Water Dancing. When you're comfortable sitting by the pool, try to feel the movement of the water. You should slowly push your hands in the water and back. This provides you an idea on how water can support the body.

Submerge in Fear. Once you have gained confidence being near the water, it is time to take small jumps in places (in the water) you feel comfortable standing on. This will help you feel how the body is being supported in the water. Then, you should try to move a little deeper into the water and begin jumping on that spot; this will give you a better bounce. If you are afraid, you can go back to the previous step and establish comfort first.

Take a Dip. By submerging your head in the water, even for just a short time, you are actually allowing yourself to feel comfortable in the water. You will soon realize that with courage and confidence, you can deal with water and not panic. Also, having your head below water proves that drowning is not an immediate occurrence, but an accident that may happen in any activity.

Practice Constantly. You should practice your mind and body to be comfortable in the water. By constantly exposing yourself to water-related tasks or activities, you can overcome the fear of water completely.

Any fear can be crippling. By having the courage to overcome fears, you can live a more fruitful and satisfying life. Do not let any fear ruin your opportunity to spend a life full of memories and one that is well-realized. Aquaphobia is just a state of mind, it is not absolute. Be courageous and face your fear!