How did near drowing experience at …

The drowning incident at the pool had many short and long-term consequences on Douglas. The short-term consequences such as weakness, trembling, sickness, haunting fear of water, etc.

As time elapsed, these consequences took the shape of more sinister and deeply ingrained fears. Douglas developed a perennial aversion to water; the very sight of a water body such as a lake, river, water fall, etc. made him petrified. When he accompanied his friends to any picnic spot, he would stay on shore, while his friends enjoyed the water sports and recreational activities. Douglas felt terribly scared and bad about it. This humiliation gave birth to a strong desire to overcome his fear of water.

Felt weak and trembling as he walked back home

• Shook and cried as he lay on the bed

• Couldn’t eat that night

• Haunting fear gripped him for days 

• Slightest exertion tired him 

• Knees felt wobbly

• Felt sick in the stomach

• suffered from hydrophobia for years