What Language Does Thalassophobia Come from?

The term thalassophobia steps from the Greek thalassa ("the sea") and phobos ("fear"). According to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), phobias are the most common type of mental illness in the United States.

Is thalassophobia a rare phobia?

Phobias are very common. According to professional diagnostic criteria, approximately 7–9% of people in the United States have a specific phobia in any given year. However, there are no estimates of how many people live with thalassophobia specifically.

Why do people get thalassophobia?

Having a relative with a fear of the ocean may increase your risk of developing thalassophobia. Environmental factors. Hearing of other traumatic events, such as drownings or attacks in the ocean, may cause a fear of the ocean. Developmental factors.

Chloe Bennett

Chloe Bennett

Culture, Media & Entertainment Columnist

Chloe Bennett explores the intersection of pop culture, streaming entertainment, digital trends, and contemporary lifestyle. Her weekly commentary reaches thousands of culture enthusiasts.