I have a mild phobia of water. I can't stand bath tubs and top loading washing machines. I don't like pools or the ocean. I have a physical reaction when I have to put my hand in dirty water or have to stand in it.
I freak out when I see things submerged in water or something on the bottom of a pool or floating. I'm okay on boats as long as the water doesn't come over the side.
My phobia gets a little more serious when combined with a toilet. I'm tense just writing the word toilet or looking at a picture of one. My ultimate fear is a toilet overflowing. I just panic. My heart races, I feel dizzy, I can't move and I feel like I'm going to pass out. I feel hot and claustrophobic.
I really want to know if there is a name for this phobia and does anyone else have it??? I know lots of people have toilet phobias, but I haven't found any like mine.
The main reason for my concern is that I don't know why I have this phobia (there are no bad experiences) and it seems to be getting worse the older I get. Most of the time I can deal with it (as long as the toilet is clean and it isn't old or leaking) but cleaning it, which is unavoidable, is so distressing I need someone to stand next to me.
I'm worried if I don't do something soon it will get out of control. Please help?