Interestingly enough, I had a big fear of dogs. I don’t really know why because I’ve never had a traumatic experience with them (thank God I never got bitten).
I also feared being alone, darkness (but not much) and heights. Woah, I was a fearful kid.
Today, well, I only fear those big, aggressive dogs like kangals and rottweilers. As for darkness and loneliness, nah.
I just learned about five years ago that my fear is called thalassophobia, but specifically dark water. Its strength has waxed and waned, but it’s never gone away. I even know what event made it happen and realize it’s irrational, but it doesn’t make a difference.
Once me and my wife went down to the ocean at night and I went in. After a few minutes I came out and told her that I fully understand the fear of the ocean at night now.
Yeah, it’s a hard phobia to fight because the ocean is dangerous and full of monsters.