Fear of depths (bathophobia)

Bathophobia is a fear of depths, such as deep water, pits, wells or the view down into a gorge. It may show up as discomfort in the deep end of a pool, on boats, or when peering down a stairwell. Some people feel it even when looking at photos of deep places.

About this phobia

The word comes from the Greek bathos, meaning depth, a root also found in bathymetry, the measuring of water depth. It is uncommon as a clinical term and sits close to thalassophobia, the fear of the deep sea, and acrophobia, the fear of heights. The difference is mostly about looking down into something rather than being up high.

What it feels like

• A pulling, dizzy feeling when looking down into deep water or a drop
• Staying where your feet can touch the bottom when swimming
• Unease at the thought of what might be below, out of sight

Explore more unusual fears in the rare phobias A to Z, or browse the common phobias.

Common questions

How is bathophobia different from a fear of heights?

A fear of heights is about being high up, while bathophobia is about depth itself, often the depth of water, holes or caves. The two often go together, as both involve looking down, and many people with one feel some of the other.

How can you help?

I use hypnotherapy and NLP to change how your mind responds to the thing you fear, so the old alarm stops going off. Sessions are one to one over Zoom, and you get a recording of the hypnosis to listen to afterwards.

How many sessions will I need?

Many clients notice a real difference after one 90 minute session. If the fear goes back a long way, three sessions gives us room to make the change stick.

Ready to start?

Book a £49 consultation call and we’ll talk through your fear, or take the free suitability test first.

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