Phobias
Fear of Thunder, Storms, Lightning, or Astraphobia
What Is Astraphobia?
Astraphobia is, in simple terms, the fear of thunder and lightning. This term comes from Greek, where “astrape” means lightning and “phobos” means fear.
This phobia is quite common and affects children, adults, and even animals. Therefore, if you notice cats or dogs hiding under the bed when there is a storm outside, do not be surprised.
A person who has a fear of thunder and lightning will modify their schedule according to the weather forecast, thus avoiding exposure to stormy weather.
Although it is recommended to seek shelter during stormy weather, a phobia represents an extreme fear that negatively affects one’s life.
Symptoms of Astraphobia
People who suffer from astraphobia may experience feelings of panic before and during a storm. This phobia can cause symptoms such as:
- Chest pain
- Numbness
- Nausea
- Palpitations and increased heart rate
- Difficulty breathing
- Sweaty hands
- An obsessive urge to monitor the storm
- The desire to stay close to someone else to feel protected during a storm
- Screaming and crying (especially in children)
- Awareness that these feelings are irrational and exaggerated
- People with astraphobia may also feel the need to hide from thunder and lightning in a closet, bathroom, bathtub, or under the bed.
Astraphobia can develop based on learned behaviors, but it may also be attributed to evolution or instinctive responses.
From an evolutionary perspective, it is normal to avoid a storm. This meteorological phenomenon can be dangerous for both humans and animals, even threatening their lives.
However, overwhelming reactions that occur even when you are safely sheltered are irrational and can overpower you.
In general, children with autism, people with anxiety, or individuals with sensory processing issues are more prone to developing astraphobia, as they are more sensitive to sounds and environmental stimuli.
Commonly Used Therapies
Personalized mapping of symptom sources and manifestations through the combination of various psychotherapeutic solutions. By applying innovative therapeutic methods, we focus on shortening the path to resolution and achieving direct, context-based diagnosis.
An effective option for saving time and money, although available only in certain locations. At the ID Therapy Bespoke Treatment Center in Romania, you can overcome your fear of thunder and lightning with the help of Virtual Reality technology.
You can even ask your psychotherapist to make a “home visit” during a storm, so that you can practice deep breathing and receive guidance during a real storm.
Mental health–related applications and meditation apps are also an easy and accessible option for treating astraphobia. There are apps that offer therapy sessions, apps that provide guided relaxation techniques, and apps that allow you to keep an anxiety journal.
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Talk to an ID Therapy Specialist
Adress: Strada Naum Ramniceanu Street, no. 23, ap. 1, Sector 1, Bucharest, Romania