Fear of sharks: What is it and why?

Sharks! They are one the most powerful and fearsome predators globally, capable of doing great harm to their prey. These marine creatures top the marine ecosystem’s food chain, with killer whales often holding the highest rank and hunting in groups.

Sharks have over 300 teeth and a strong body. They are also very fast, so they cause so much fear in humans when taking boat trips in the ocean. What is the rational fear of sharks? What are some other interesting facts about sharks? Learn more by diving with us in this article.

What is Fear of Sharks Called in

Galeophobia, in its simplest form, is the fear of sharks. These sea creatures have a good appearance with a wide-body and smooth skin. Many people suffering from this fear may feel panicked because sharks are often depicted as vengeful, hungry sea monsters in Hollywood movies.

How and Why Was “Galeophobia” Created?

Galeophobia was coined from two Greek words – “galeos” and “phobos.”

Sharks have strong predating characteristics that can send fear down the spines of potential prey. Humans develop a distinct response to a shark’s prank scream in the ocean.

Galeophobia was born from two Greek words, “galeos”, which refers to sharks with streaks similar to those on a weasel and “phobos”, which means fear. It is a term that describes the condition in which humans have an anxious attitude when they see, touch, or think of sharks.

The fear of sharks may not be completely rational, and there have been shark attacks. Still, the overwhelming rational anxiety is largely influenced by a series of false psychologies and fictional images.

Contrary to other phobias common in marine environments and sea creatures, ichthyophobia (fear of eating fish) is not something humans will experience.

Galeophobia – Symptoms and Treatment

Galeophobia can be accompanied by anxiety, sporadic nervousness, increased heartbeat, stress, chest discomfort, frenzy and stomach pain. Galeophobia can quickly lead to shock. This can cause severe mental stress, nausea, trembling, and paralysis. Galeophobia people can be so afraid that they cannot help but cry, scream and avoid staring at the ocean predator.

People have reported experiencing arrhythmia when sharks threaten them. The effects of pulling a shark joke on the beach or laughing out loud the name could lead to disorientation and panic. This phobia can be experienced at different levels, depending on the person’s emotional stability.

Exposure therapy is a quick and effective way to deal with galeophobia. Other quick treatment methods include:

1. Recognize and accept that you have a fear of sharks.
2. Learn the facts about sharks.
3. You can channel your strength to overcome galeophobia.
4. Talk to someone who can understand your fears.

How To Overcome Shark Fear

Experts believe that certain cognitive and behavioural strategies can be used to combat the distortion of the fear of sharks. This is done to make the person believe they are better than the situation. The individual gains complete control over his emotions and his cognitive development. An individual begins to shift their mental paradigm, shifting from an anxious state of mind to a more stable one. This mental game teaches you to believe you can overcome your fears and not become too scared or excited in these situations.

Here are some of our favourite ways to conquer galeophobia.

Cognitive Strategies for

• People living with Galeophobia should not be afraid. They should instead turn their fears into excitement.
• Reaffirm your belief that you might be acting out of fear when you are on the verge of doing so.
• It is better to assess what can be controlled to reduce the chance of an outburst.

Behavioural Strategies

• Regularly participating in response exercises will help you identify triggers that cause discomfort.
• Galeophobia patients undergoing rehabilitation should also be encouraged to participate in controlled stimulations. Proctored desensitization can also be used to describe this rehabilitation process. The patient is guided through the most difficult fears and can maintain their emotional responses.
• Patients should practice affirmation thoughts and talk.