How to Overcome Fear of Thunder
If you have a fear of thunder, you are not alone. The fear of thunder is officially called brontophobia and can lead to real panic attacks for sufferers. If your fear of thunder is interfering with your life or causing you symptoms such as nausea, anxiety and sweating, it is important to take the proper steps to work toward overcoming your fear. Overcoming any type of phobia is not easy, but it can be done by slowly taking positive steps in the right direction.Things You'll Need
- Blanket
- Movie
- Therapist
Instructions
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1
Make small changes to your behavior during a storm. If you normally close the blinds and hide under a blank during a thunderstorm, consider opening the blinds partially during the next storm. If your whole body is usually covered by a blanket, attempt to keep the blank only on your lap and not over your head.
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2
Watch thunder on TV on a perfectly sunny day. Pick up a documentary about storms or even a fictional movie.
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3
Figure out where your fear of thunder originated. It is possible that something may have happened during your childhood that has caused you to have low tolerance to loud noises. Thunder also may be reminding you of something negative from the past, such as a home invasion that occurred during a thunderstorm or a relative that passed away on a stormy day.
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Avoid obsessive behavior, such as constantly checking weather websites or watching the weather forecast on the news in anticipation of the next storm.
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Enroll in therapy. A professional therapist can give you advice on how to manage your symptoms and change your behaviors. You also can talk about your fears and your past in confidence. In some cases, your therapist may even refer you to a psychiatrist for anxiety medication if your fear is consuming you.
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Step outside during a thunderstorm when you feel ready. You don't need to go far from your house; even setting foot on a porch with an overhang for just a minute can help you overcome your fear.
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