Hello Fluffy: I see this was your first post here on PC. I'm sorry you're only now being greeted. Please forgive us. We're generally better than this. However under any circumstances... welcome to PsychCentral! I hope you find the time you spend here to be of benefit.

I'm sorry you are struggling with this most difficult fear. I won't go into the details... but I do know that pool drains can be a serious hazard. I'm sure it is of little comfort to you. But you're actually fortunate it was your hair. It could have been even worse. I'm not surprised your experience left you with this phobia.

You didn't mention if you've done anything in the way of therapy for this concern. One therapy that is often used to treat this type of condition is, I believe, what is sometimes referred to as "exposure therapy". Family therapist, Kati Morton has a video on her YouTube channel on this subject. Here's a link to that video:



It's great you have your lifesavers qualification. Hopefully you will be able to find a way to overcome your frightening experience. My best wishes to you...