fear of thunderstorms

[leone2]

Hi all - just joined - in a high state of anxiety over these storms in melbourne. Want to find a dungeon or soundproof basement. Am completely sick with anxiety. I have ear muffs and blast the stereo ( and scream to try and cancel the noise) I suppose I just want to hear from someone who understands. I am not used to the intensity of these storms ( just moved to melb in time for the pandemic) so yes feeling mighty sorry for myself

[sbella02]

Hi Leone2,

A warm welcome to our forums, and thank you so much for posting. I can understand how thunderstorms can be terrifying, especially if they're very intense.

While I may not have a fear of thunderstorms, it's spiders for me. I start shaking and my heart rate increases, and I can't seem to calm myself down. I normally find that having people around me comforts me, as well as general techniques like concentrating on my breathing or exiting the room.

You could try having a chat to a GP, counsellor, therapist, or psychologist about your fears, and they may be able to offer you some professional tips and advice.

For now, is there some way you can soundproof one of the rooms where you live? Rooms with carpets or rugs are generally better if you'd like something more soundproof, otherwise there are places you can buy music soundproofing material for very cheap.

I hope this somewhat helps! Please continue to chat with us, we're here to support you.

All the best, SB

[The_Bro]

Hi there Leone2 and welcome to our forum!

Your fear of thunder and lightning is a real and recognised symptom, and certainly not your imagination.

Called Astraphobia, it is treatable with cognitive behavioural therapy with sessions with a qualified counselor. We had a staffy dog who was very scared of storms and in the process or helping her we did a fair bit of research into the condition in humans as well.

It is very positive sign that you are opening up about how you feel as this is an important first step to recognising and treating any mental issue. I suggest having a chat with your doctor who can refer you on to a professional who works in this area.

I have heard the storms in Melbourne have been very bad, I hope they will go away!

Happy to chat more and support you in any way I can.

All the very best, The Bro

[Petal22]

Hi leone2,

Wellcome to our forums!

Im sorry you are feeling this way.

I understand anxiety can be very difficult to deal with especially if it’s at severe levels.

I highly recommend that you make a appointment with your gp so you can discuss your anxiety and how it’s affecting your life.

You could do a mental health together this will enable you to see a psychologist.

[Guest_7403]

From a scientific point...try to tell yourself that thunderstorms are just how the earth rebalances itself.

They are caused by instability in the atmosphere and thunder and lightning is just the atmosphere correcting itself.

All the best

[Doberman38]

G'day there, leone2, welcome!

Oof, yeah Melbourne weather is certainly very unpredictable. Thankfully it's not like this here most of the time.

This was actually my no.1 anxiety for a very long time. You're certainly not alone with this. Thunderstorms just love to advertise how scary they are, don't they? 😉 It's so hard to ignore the winds and the thunder.

I'm not sure if this will work for you, but I do have some suggestions about how to lesson your anxiety about it.

One thing which has helped is looking at the positive side of the weather. Storms are very important to the ecosystem and agriculture - the rain feeds the plants and animals (and us), lightning keeps the nitrogen cycle going, etc. It helps me develop a more positive mindset.

Thunder still really unnerves me too, but something which has been helping is thinking about it as background noise. I understand that this may be very difficult for someone with sound sensitivity - I have that myself - but over time constantly practising doing this when there's a storm might eventually help lower the anxiety you get with it.

I also highly recommend the other advice on this thread, it could do a world of wonders.

Take care and all the best lucks!

Cheers,

Doberman