Blog 3: Storm Anxiety: What it is, How to Cope, and Why You're Not the Only One
Storm anxiety, while seldom discussed openly by those who suffer from it, is much more prevalent than you might expect. 'Astraphobia' is the scientific term for storm anxiety, and refers to the extreme anxiety or debilitating fear that humans (and animals) feel before and during thunderstorms and other severe weather.
Where Does Storm Anxiety Stem From?
For many, the fear of bad weather starts from childhood and isn't uncommon. Jenny Hoffman, MA LCSW is an anxiety specialist trained in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy-- a form of therapy that is highly effective in treating worries like weather. Jenny explains that along with very natural fears of storms and loud noises that children experience can be exacerbated by the chaos of tornado drills, tornado sirens, and experiences with tornadoes themselves. For many, these seemingly innocent childhood fears carry into adulthood and develop themselves into full-blown storm anxiety.
However, it's important to note that storm anxiety isn't limited to any particular experience or age. One largely under-discussed demographic of storm anxiety sufferers is individuals with PTSD. Whether a veteran who struggles with loud noises or someone who has a trauma from a tornado-- there are so many people who have difficulty coping with the anticipation of bad weather when it comes around.
No matter what background you might have that led a person to have trouble with severe weather, there is always help. Whether you yourself are a sufferer, or know someone who is-- there are ways to cope. It's not about eliminating the fear, but rather to understand it and find ways to better prepare ourselves to take it on with confidence.
Overcoming storm anxiety is a journey, but with patience and the right strategies, it's entirely possible to find relief.
Here are some coping mechanisms that work to help in preparation for severe weather:
- Stay Informed: Knowledge is power. Keep track of weather updates from reliable sources. Knowing the storm's trajectory and severity can sometimes reduce the fear of the unknown.
- Safe Spaces: Designate a safe place in your home where you can retreat during storms. This might be a basement, bathroom, or any room without windows.
- Distractions: Distracting yourself can be beneficial. Listen to calming music, watch a movie, read, or engage in any activity that keeps your mind off the storm.
- Deep Breathing and Meditation: Techniques like deep breathing, visualization, and meditation can help calm the mind.
- Seek Support: Talk to someone. This can be a trusted friend, family member, or therapist. Often, just talking about your fears can alleviate them.
- Exposure Therapy: With the guidance of a therapist, gradually expose yourself to the sounds of a storm. This might mean listening to recordings of thunder at a low volume and slowly increasing it as you grow more comfortable.
- Understanding Others: One of the most important things we can do for family and friends who struggle with storm anxiety is to acknowledge and empathize with their fear. Being able to be open with mental challenges allows us to get rid of stigmas that only further contribute to fear and self-doubt.
Storm anxiety, while challenging, is a manageable condition. By understanding its root causes and applying effective coping strategies, it's possible to weather the storm both externally and internally. Remember, seeking professional help is always an option, and there's no shame in reaching out. The next time the skies darken, may you find a beacon of calm within yourself.
