Why are we afraid of jellyfish?
Every summer the same phrase is repeated “oops, it seems like there are jellyfish, I’m not going to swim!”
Fear of jellyfish is quite common. Between children and between not so children. What it is about is trying to avoid it, or reduce it. They are jellyfish, they are in their habitat, but they are not “coming for us”, it is simply bad luck to get stung. And also, it has a quick solution. Along Gandía Beach, you can go to any of the lifeguards who are there and will help you
Why are we afraid of jellyfish?
The fear of jellyfish has both a rational and psychological basis. On the one hand, there is the fear of the possible sting, which can be painful and cause allergic reactions. Additionally, the lack of control in the water and the unpredictability of jellyfish encounters increase anxiety. The idea of the unknown and exaggerated stories about stings also feed this fear. This fear may be exacerbated by an aversion to marine creatures in general, associated with danger and the unknown (Scope)
The fear of being stung by a jellyfish is common because, for many people, these creatures are unpredictable and difficult to avoid in the water. Jellyfish stings can be painful, cause redness, swelling, and in some cases, severe allergic reactions. Furthermore, the idea of not being able to see them clearly in the water and the feeling of vulnerability in the sea increase anxiety. Although most stings are not dangerous, fear arises from the possibility of facing severe pain or an unexpected adverse reaction.
What is the psychological explanation for the fear of jellyfish?
The fear of jellyfish can be explained from a psychological perspective for several reasons:
- Conditioning and Experience: If a person has experienced a jellyfish sting or witnessed someone who suffered one, they may develop a conditioned fear. The memory of pain or perceived danger creates a fear response in the presence of jellyfish.
- Fear of the Unknown: Jellyfish are alien-looking marine creatures that float almost invisibly in the water, making them unpredictable. This fear of the unknown is a common response to what we cannot see clearly or control.
- Fear of Pain and Consequences: Jellyfish stings are usually painful and, in some cases, can cause severe allergic reactions. The fear of pain and possible physical consequences, such as redness, swelling or even more severe reactions, intensifies this fear.
- Evolutionary Fear: From an evolutionary point of view, humans have developed a fear of certain animals that may represent a threat to their well-being. Jellyfish, with their ability to inflict pain through stings, may have been subconsciously labeled as a potential threat.
How we can avoid or reduce the fear of jellyfish
To avoid or reduce the fear of jellyfish, you can follow these tips:
- Education and Information: Educating yourself about jellyfish, how they behave, and what to do if stung can reduce anxiety. Knowing that most jellyfish are not dangerous and that stings are usually manageable can put your mind at ease.
- Gradual Exposure: If the fear is intense, gradually exposing yourself to the situation can help. This could involve spending time on the beach, observing the water, or learning more about the marine environment. Controlled exposure can reduce fear over time.
- Breathing and Relaxation: Practicing breathing and relaxation techniques before and during your time in the water can help calm anxiety. Staying calm is crucial to not overestimate the danger.
- Practical Precautions: Wearing protective clothing such as long-sleeved swimsuits or bathing in areas where preventative measures against jellyfish are taken can give you greater safety. Additionally, avoiding swimming in areas where jellyfish are known to be present is a useful preventative measure.
- Cognitive Reassessment: Challenging your irrational thoughts about jellyfish is another key step. Remember that although they can cause pain, most bites are not dangerous and rarely require medical attention.
- Professional Assistance: If the fear is debilitating, consider speaking with a psychologist or therapist who can help you work on the phobia using techniques such as cognitive behavioral therapy.
What can we tell children so that they are not afraid of jellyfish?
To help children not be afraid of jellyfish, we can explain the following:
- Jellyfish as Curious Animals: “Jellyfish are like curious sea animals that float in the water, almost as if they were little jelly balloons. They don’t want to hurt you; they are just there enjoying the sea like you.”
- Take Simple Precautions: “If you ever see a jellyfish, just move away and continue playing in another part of the water. It’s that easy!”
- What to do if you see a jellyfish: “If you see a jellyfish, it’s okay, just give it space and swim somewhere else. And if you get stung, tell an adult so they can help you quickly. Most of the time, just “It will sting a little, but it won’t do anything serious.”
- Make It a Game: “We can play ocean explorers, and if we see a jellyfish, we can say ‘Hello!’ from afar and continue looking for other interesting animals.”
What to do when you are stung by a jellyfish?
If you are stung by a jellyfish, avoid touching it as its entire body has stinging cells, even if it is dead. To treat the bite, wash the area with saline or sea water, without rubbing, as fresh water can release more toxins. Remove the tentacles with gloves, avoiding tweezers that could break them. Apply baking soda diluted with seawater and place wrapped ice for 10-15 minutes, avoiding direct contact. Use anti-inflammatories if necessary and, in severe cases, consult a doctor. Seek help from first responders if symptoms worsen.
