[ombrétwilight]

Recently I've noticed I've become helluva paranoid when in the pool. This gets worse when I'm alone and I think up all sorts of strange things and actually completely believe they may happen. If you've watched Interstellar you may recall a scene on Miller's planet with the huge waves, and I (for who-knows-why) thought that I would die from a tsunami in my own pool. This morning the cleaners were doing their weekly drainage at the children's pool and they've dropped in the floating beacons in my regular one, and for some reason again I was convinced I would die in a whirlpool formed from the draining. Another one I can remember is the constant fear of there being some creature lurking beneath the surface such that I don't dare to swim or get out because apparently movement attracts its attention. I've also felt like things such as passing planes overhead or cats scampering about are messages/warnings to be decoded that is crucial to my survival.

Do I have an overactive imagination or what? I have been swimming from age 3 so why am I like that all of a sudden? I hate being so petrified while in the water that I don't even dare to move

[sideblinded]

Hi ombrétwilight

I would love to be able to tell you why this is happening but I think talking this over with a T would be worthwhile. You could have a lot of anxiety building up in your life or it could be something more serious that only a doctor or therapist would know. It does sound perplexing to have this going on. I would talk to someone about this and see if maybe your questions can be answered and you can have some peace. I hope things get figured out for you very soon.

[SnakeCharmer]

It could be the beginnings of a phobia that has developed for unknown reasons. It's the sort of thing that could happen to anyone. There's often no rational explanation, even watching TV shows or movies can bring something on.

Phobias can be treated. I have a phobia that has been helped tremendously with specialized treatment. If you have a T, it would be good to talk to them about this. CBT works well on phobias.

It would be good to deal with it as soon as possible so it doesn't have time to become deeply embedded in your psyche. Help is out there. I wish you the best!