Once Drowned in the Swamp, Dewi Gita Now Fears Heights as She Ages

Kapanlagi.com - Dewi Gita is known as a cheerful and calm figure in public, but she actually has a rather disturbing phobia. Behind her serene appearance, this mother of one admits to having a fear of heights that has lasted for a long time.

"I once almost drowned in a swamp, rescued by a relative," said Dewi when met in the Tendean area, South Jakarta, on Monday (21/4/2025).

According to Armand Maulana's wife, that experience is still often a topic of conversation for the family whenever they gather. What was initially a tense moment has now become a sort of family legend.

"The story is still told to this day, especially during Eid, and it really is true," she said.

1. Fear of Heights

© instagram.com/dewigita01

Although the traumatic experience was related to water, Dewi actually feels her fear has developed into a fear of heights. She realizes that her fear has grown stronger as she ages and takes on more responsibilities as a parent.

"Actually, the trauma is more related to water. But heights are fine," she said.

It turns out that heights, like tall buildings, are still tolerable as long as she doesn't look directly down. Dewi also mentions that some other people experience similar things.

"As long as I don't look at the tall buildings. There are people who go up there. They can't do it either," she said.

2. Uncomfortable Looking Down

As long as she doesn't see the view below, Dewi can still maintain control of the situation. Even when taking the elevator in a tall building, she admits that she can still stay calm.

"I can still do it. As long as I don't look at where I am," she said.

However, when she has to look directly down from a height, that fear comes suddenly and makes her uncomfortable. She tries hard to keep her gaze narrow and focused.

"Because when we are in a building, in the elevator, we still don't see below," she said.

3. Experience a Moment of Panic

Dewi once experienced a moment of panic while on a transparent glass bridge on the third floor. Although it was only a few meters from the ground, the view below made it difficult for her to step forward.

"At that time, it felt like it was just the third floor. But the bridge was transparent. It was glass. I couldn't cross," she said.

Her fear of heights became more pronounced after Dewi became a mother. She only realized she had a phobia after frequently taking her child to amusement parks or adrenaline-pumping rides.

"Maybe it’s more like... I realized I was afraid of heights when I had a child. When we take our child somewhere," she said.

4. Avoid Extreme Rides

Every time she goes to an amusement park, Dewi happily chooses the role of bag keeper rather than joining extreme rides. She feels more comfortable enjoying the moment from below without having to challenge herself.

"Just watching the bags. I’m already watching the bags, watching the food. I’m happy. You all go have fun. I’ll watch the bags," she said.

Even though she almost drowned in the past, Dewi said she didn’t experience severe trauma related to water. In fact, swimming is still an activity she can do leisurely.

"No, not at all. I should have been traumatized because I almost drowned," she said.

5. Treatment and Therapy for Phobias

Regarding the treatment or therapy to overcome her phobia, Dewi actually chooses a more relaxed approach. She feels that fear is not something that should be overly exaggerated.

"Not yet, not yet. Enough already. In my opinion, it's not a disease. It's just being spoiled. It's just spoiled. Enough already. Just leave it alone. It must be fought against," she asserted.

(kpl/far/rsp)