Fear of Thunder
Storms are natural phenomena that tend to inspire strong emotions in both humans and animals. Some love to watch them, sitting in the doorway or by the window as the thunder and lightning crash all around. Some even choose to go outside, taking what many would consider an unhealthy risk in order to play in the rain.
At the opposite extreme, both humans and animals may develop astraphobia, or a fear of thunder and lightning.
Symptoms
Astraphobia can cause some symptoms that are similar to those of other phobias, as well as some that are unique. Sweating, shaking and crying may occur during a thunderstorm or even just before one begins. You may seek constant reassurance during the storm. Symptoms are often heightened when you are alone.
Additionally, many people with astraphobia seek shelter beyond normal protection from the storm. For example, you may hide under the covers or even under the bed. You may go to the basement, an inside room (such as a bathroom) or even a closet. You may close the curtains and attempt to block out the sounds of the storm.
Another fairly common symptom is an obsession with weather forecasts. You may find yourself glued to the Weather Channel during the rainy season or tracking storms online. You may develop an inability to go about activities outside your home without first checking the weather reports. In extreme cases, astraphobia can eventually lead to agoraphobia, or fear of leaving your home.
Symptoms of fear of thunder and lightning
An individual suffering from this phobia will constantly watch the weather channel to ensure all is fine with the weather. S/he might also install lightning rods on buildings for protection. In event of an adverse weather forecast, the Astraphobic might panic and experience severe anxiety. A variety of psychological and physical symptoms might be present including:
- Fainting/passing out for hours
- Sweating, trembling and shaking
- Rapid heart rate, shallow breathing
- Gasping, feeling like being choked
- Hiding in basement, bathroom, closet
- Constantly watching out for signs of storm, gluing oneself to the TV set particularly to the weather channel
- Crying or seeking constant assurance during a storm
- Closing windows, doors and curtains and trying to block out sounds of the storm.
- Nausea, vomiting and gastrointestinal distress
- Freezing, refusing to move from the place due to the fear of thunder/lightning striking him.
- Having thoughts of death
Treatment
