My Hydrophobia (fear of water).

by Gabrielle
(Indiana)

I do suffer from hydrophobia. I am completely afraid of water. I can take a shower and use the sink, stuff like that, but it can't get the water in my face. I took swimming lessons, and that's how I found out.

The truth is I really love the idea of swimming in the water, but I can't handle being in a pool, or the ocean, or a lake, or any body of water.

Just the thought of getting in deep water makes me quake in fear. Usually my heart starts beating really fast, then I start shaking, then (if the problem still hasn't been resolved) I started freaking out. I back away and beg for my teacher or parent or whatever to let me out of the water.

I'm only 14 years old and I really want to learn how to swim, but I feel like this fear will never go away.