Storm Anxiety

July 25, 2021

4 min read

It’s reported that 1 in 10 Americans suffer from some type of storm anxiety or phobia each year. Severe weather anxiety leaves people feeling completely debilitated in their fears, unable to function, or even move. Storm anxiety does not only affect humans, but our pets as well. Below you will learn more about storm anxiety and tips to alleviate the symptoms that accompany this condition.

What is storm anxiety?

Storms come in many different shapes, sizes, and forms - from heavy rains, raging winds, and everything in between. While it may not be talked about often, storm anxiety is more common than many believe. People develop anxieties about many storms from common thunderstorms to hurricanes and tornadoes. While many storms may come with a warning, this is not true for all.

Below are the most common forms of storm anxiety and their formal name.

The fear of thunder and lightning

Astraphobia
Astrapophobia
Tonitrophobia
Brontophobia
Keraunophobia

The fear of hurricanes and tornadoes

Lilapsophobia

The fear of earthquakes

Seismophobia

Storm anxiety symptoms

People suffering from storm anxieties, such as astraphobia or lilapsophobia, exhibit many of the same symptoms. The common signs and symptoms include:

Tremors
Numbness
Tingling
Nausea
Vomiting
Excessive perspiration
Heart palpitations
Chest pain
Difficulty breathing

In addition to these physical symptoms, you may find yourself constantly checking the weather for alerts or weather updates, hiding in places you feel safe, such as in the closet or under the bed, or maybe you have found yourself calling a friend to come to stay with you so you do not have to weather the storm alone.

It’s normal to feel some type of anxiety when sitting through a storm, however, when you suffer from brontophobia your day-to-day life becomes altered from the constant worry and fears, you may stop taking part in outdoor activities, or you might isolate yourself altogether to make yourself feel safe.

Risk factors associated with storm anxiety

Some people are at an increased risk of suffering from storm anxiety than others. Many researchers have concluded that anxiety is genetic, therefore those who are predisposed to a family history of anxiety are at a heightened risk for severe storm anxiety.

Individuals with special needs, such as anxiety and sensory processing disorders, are at an increased risk for storm anxieties. In addition, those diagnosed with auditory processing disorders are also at an increased risk as they suffer from a heightened sensitivity to sound.

Post-traumatic stress disorder is another common risk factor associated with storm anxiety. Individuals may experience post-traumatic stress disorder for several reasons including traumatic storm experiences.

Can storm anxiety be treated?

Short answer, yes. Storm anxiety such as astraphobia can be treated with the use of therapy and in some cases anti-anxiety medications. The common goal among therapists is to help teach their patients coping mechanisms and stress reduction techniques. Storm anxiety may not be a curable condition, but this does not mean that one must suffer an eternity.

Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT): Cognitive-behavioral therapy is a type of psychotherapy performed either one on one with a licensed professional or in a group setting. It is designed to focus on one problem at a time while turning a negative thinking process into a more positive and beneficial one.
Exposure therapy: Exposure therapy is a form of cognitive-behavioral therapy performed under the direct supervision of a licensed and highly trained professional. It allows a safe space for one to essentially face their fears, exposing them to triggering sounds, spaces, or environments to help them learn to overcome the fear associated.
Medication: In addition to therapy sessions with a trained professional, you may be prescribed medications such as anti-anxiety medications to help alleviate symptoms during a triggering event like a thunderstorm or hurricane. Neither over-the-counter nor prescription medications are a cure for any phobia.
Stress management techniques: It is important to learn techniques to manage your stress along with recognizing the triggers associated with it. Things like yoga or meditation have been proven stress management techniques to help individuals through trying times. In addition, joining a support group can help you talk about your storm anxiety and feelings and receive tips on managing it.

Tips to cope with storm anxiety

With a storm rapidly approaching we feel powerless in a sense as there is nothing we can do to stop it in its tracks. Learning your triggers and understanding how you are being affected is one of the most valuable tools you can give yourself.

According to the National Weather Service, making a plan is an effective tool for coping with the anxiety of an impending weather event. Ensure you have a plan in place for communication with friends and family members should you lose electricity or cell phone service.
Use deep breathing and visualization exercises to help calm you before an approaching storm and during, says Mental Health Association Oklahoma.
The Anxiety and Depression Association of America encourages you to stay up to date on the latest weather information for your area, so you can stay well-prepared. You cannot prevent what you cannot control. You can only control the way you respond to these events. Severe weather does not have to control your life, make a plan and take control of your life once again. That said, if you’re feeling overwhelmed, take a “news break”, which may help reduce your anxiety.

Connect With Others With Storm Anxiety

Having anxiety about storms is stressful, but talking about it with others can help. Connect with Healthread members who might be going through the same thing for support and other tips to manage storm anxiety.