"Phobias can develop due to various [reasons], and their formation is often a complex interplay of biological, psychological, and environmental factors," Dr. Padraic Gibson, who is a consultant clinical psychotherapist and the clinical director of The OCD Clinic as well as the director of training and organization consultation at The Coaching Clinic, told Bored Panda.

Gibson said one common reason why humans develop phobias is traumatic experiences.

"Phobias can often stem from a traumatic experience related to a specific object, situation, or event. The fear becomes ingrained in the person's mind, leading to a phobic response whenever they encounter the trigger," he explained.

Another possible cause can be vicarious learning.

"Observing someone else's fearful or phobic response to a certain object or situation can also lead to the development of a phobia in some individuals," Gibson said.

Then there's an overly protective or anxious upbringing

"An upbringing that constantly warns about potential dangers and discourages facing them may contribute to the development of excessive fears," the psychotherapist added.

Dr. Padraic Gibson, who has contributed to the TV and film industries as a specialist consultant, and writes regularly for Psychology Today, said that phobias can be triggered by various factors and affect people from all walks of life.

"From fear of heights to public speaking, these anxieties can be crippling and hinder everyday activities."

Penny Pink is one of the people who have submechanophobia. "I've accepted that [it] is just one of those quirks I have," she explained. "My life doesn't involve much time on the water, let alone the ocean, so my phobia usually doesn't affect my day-to-day life. I still get out and enjoy nature, although I definitely will never be signing up for shipwreck snorkeling on vacation. "

"Still, sometimes my submechanophobia rears its head in unexpected ways. Last fall, I visited Venice with my mom. The city is — famously — sinking. Seeing all the submerged stairs, buildings built on posts, and other evidence of a city underwater had me on edge the whole time. I couldn't even enjoy the classic Venice gondola ride without fear."

"The good news is that there are effective ways to conquer these fears," Dr. Padraic Gibson highlighted.

"Therapies must focus on breaking the harmful patterns that keep individuals trapped in their phobias. The key lies in gradually facing the feared situations, reducing the need for reassurance, and letting go of excessive control. It's a journey of self-discovery and personal growth. At The OCD Clinic, we have proven success with brief strategic therapy, helping around 90% of individuals overcome their phobias within a few months."

If these images, as uncomfortable as they can be, still seem interesting, try going through our first publication on submechanophobia; who knows, maybe it'll also desensitize you, even if just a little bit.