Fear of floods (antlophobia)

Antlophobia is a fear of floods. It can mean checking flood warnings during every heavy shower, feeling anxious near rivers, or avoiding homes in low lying areas. For people who have been through a flood, the fear can be closely tied to that experience.

About this phobia

The name comes from the Greek antlia, meaning bilge water. It is an uncommon term found mainly on lists of phobias. It is related to other fears of water and weather, such as aquaphobia and ombrophobia, the fear of rain.

What it feels like

• Watching rain levels and river gauges closely
• Feeling uneasy at the sound of heavy rain at night
• Keeping valuables upstairs just in case

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

Common questions

Is it normal to feel anxious after being flooded?

Yes. Flooding can be a frightening and disruptive event, and lasting worry afterwards is a common reaction. If the anxiety stays strong long after the event or comes with flashbacks or poor sleep, a GP can help find the right support.

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.

See all session options and prices