Natural environment phobias
Fears connected to heights, storms, darkness, water, and natural settings.
Acrophobia
Do heights make everyday places feel scary? Learn what acrophobia can feel like, how it differs from normal caution, and what can help.
A type of specific phobiaAquaphobia
Understand fear of water, how it differs from sensible water caution, and how to ask for help while keeping swimming and drowning safety in view.
A type of specific phobiaAstraphobia
Does a storm forecast fill you with dread? Understand astraphobia, sensible storm precautions, and ways to ask for help with thunderstorm fear.
A type of specific phobiaNyctophobia
Fear of the dark isn't only a childhood worry. Understand nyctophobia, its effect on nights and sleep, and how to seek support without pressure.
Common informal termThalassophobia
Thalassophobia is an intense fear of deep water like the open ocean. Learn what it feels like, how it differs from aquaphobia, and what help can involve.
Fears connected to the world around you
A high balcony, a gathering storm, or a stretch of deep water: this section brings together fears connected to natural surroundings. It's a way to find your next read, not a checklist for deciding whether you have a phobia.
Start with acrophobia, the fear of heights, our first guide in this category. It explores situations such as stairs and balconies, explains how fear of heights differs from vertigo, and includes a section for friends and family.
Not every cautious reaction is a phobia
Heights, storms, and water can involve real dangers. For help understanding the difference between sensible caution and a fear that gets in the way, read fear versus phobia.
If you want a broader introduction before reading about a particular fear, try our specific-phobia guide. You can also browse the full directory as we add more explanations.