| Cetaphobia It takes many Forms
Some sufferers report very dire fear of whale-attack, while others are frightened only of the sounds they make. Some
report a suspicion of malevolence or predatory intent, while others see
whales as benign but unpredictable. Their sheer size intimidates some,
as well as their inky domain in the deep sea. Some fear the gigantic
Blue Whale, while others fear only the Orca. As broad-sweeping as these manifestations may be, all fear of whales may be classified as cetaphobia. "I think it is the combination of the ocean and the whale what makes the terrifying scene. I mean, the size of the whale makes it intimidating but the ocean itself is overwhelming as hell! ...The worst scene I can't stand is a whale in the ocean at night." It can Begin Anytime Some sufferers can trace their fear back to a disturbing childhood memory, perhaps of a whale in a movie or a book. "I never knew there were others with a fear of whales! I got my fear
from seeing the movie Cast Away, the part when he is on the little
raft, I almost had a panic attack in the theater! Everyone says it is
such a weird fear, I am so glad I am not the only one! Thank you!!" Others report no memorable onset at all, only consistent feelings of dread when exposed to whales. It can be Confusing Cetaphobia does not unnecessarily imply a dislike for whales or a desire to harm them. Indeed, some cetaphobes describe a confusing blend of fear and reverence for whales. This bizarre respect or care for the object of one's fear can make the sufferer seem isolated and misunderstood. It may be Reasonable There are very few whale species that would deliberately harm a human being. Most confirmed cases of cetacean attacks have involved the mistreatment of captive whales, forced to perform. But many cetaphobes report no fear of physical violence from whales. "[Whales] just seem like they're up to something. How could they not be? They have the largest brains on the planet, and you want to tell me that all they do is swim around and sing?" Whales are so unlike other creatures on earth that some have theorized that they are of extraterrestrial origin. Their enormous brains and apparent ability to communicate over vast distances has led some to believe that whales are telepathic. It can be Overcome Whatever the reason for your fear of whales, it can be overcome. Cetaphobes respond well to traditional phobia treatment options.
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