I am a 28-year-old woman. In July, I went white-water rafting with four other people. The raft flipped, and we spent 20 minutes nearly drowning in 38-degree water. I don't know how I did it, but I pulled the raft and two of my friends to shore. We all survived. The guide said I was very strong and courageous, but we all could have DIED! We were very lucky. Now I am back home safe, but when I go swimming and I put my head under water, I want to get right out. I hyperventilate. All I think of is drowning in that river. I never used to be afraid of the water. I'm a good swimmer, and I even have a jet ski that I've raced. Why am I so terrified of the water now?

-- Monique

Your mind may know that you're out of danger now, but your body may not.

Sometimes when we experience a traumatic event -- such as the near-drowning you described -- we automatically go into a kind of state in which our mind and body (and emotions) are disconnected or dissociated. That altered state of consciousness can buffer us from the immediate terror and allow us to focus exclusively on survival.

During the traumatic event, the body (including the brain) is flooded by the chemicals and sensations associated with terror -- adrenalin, quickened heartbeat, rapid breathing, etc. -- all part of the "fight or flight" response to danger. Later, even when we're safe, stimuli similar to or associated with the original trauma may evoke those emotions and sensations. That may be happening to you now when you put your head under water; your body (and, possibly, subconscious mind) may still be associating "head under water" with "about to drown."

The good news is that the real danger is behind you. You and your friends survived, thanks to your strength and courage and perhaps a bit of luck. You can also heal from the emotional aftermath of your experience.

One way is to desensitize yourself to having your head under water. That could be done by picking a safe place and time to practice putting your head under water and calming yourself by reminding yourself that you're safe, in a swimming pool (or wherever), and in control. Once your head's above water, you can do some deep breathing exercises to relax you and counteract the hyperventilation. With time and practice, your body (and subconscious mind) can come to understand that water does not equal danger any more -- at least, not automatically.

Of course, you could also get help from a psychologist or other mental health professional experienced in working with people who've been through traumatic experiences.