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The phobia related to bridges has become a big issue for some people after a recent tragedy. 

On Tuesday, a cargo ship collided with Baltimore's Francis Scott Key Bridge, causing it to collapse into the river, potentially disrupting port operations for months. 

Six construction workers have been presumed dead. The ship's crew issued a mayday call before the crash, allowing authorities to halt traffic, according to Fox News.  

Rescuers transitioned to recovery efforts due to challenging conditions. Two people were rescued from the water, while five submerged vehicles were found. Experts noted the bridge lacked protection against such impacts.

Federal inspectors had rated the bridge as fair last June. Dispatch recordings revealed efforts to stop traffic before the collapse, but evacuation orders were not issued in time.

In the aftermath of the tragedy doctors Lisa Corbin and Valerie Braunstein explained that this event could have made it worse for people who already have gephyrophobia -- a fear of bridges. They could be having thoughts about what it would feel like if they were on the bridge at the time, which can cause anxiety. 

What is gephyrophobia?

Braunstein described this condition as a combination of other fears like acrophobia -- a fear of heights -- and claustrophobia -- a fear of enclosed spaces. Gephyrophobia, often referred to as bridge phobia, is a specific phobia characterized by an intense fear or anxiety surrounding bridges. While many people may feel a bit nervous when crossing a bridge, those with gephyrophobia experience extreme distress that can interfere with their daily lives.

People with gephyrophobia may experience a range of symptoms when faced with the prospect of crossing a bridge. These symptoms can include rapid heartbeat, sweating, trembling, dizziness, shortness of breath and even full-blown panic attacks. 

Fortunately, gephyrophobia is treatable. Treatment options may include cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), exposure therapy, relaxation techniques and medication. Through gradual exposure and learning coping mechanisms, people with gephyrophobia can learn to manage their fear and regain confidence in crossing bridges.