Weather-Related Stress: How Storm Anxiety And Fear Can Affect Mental Health

Many people experience some degree of emotional distress during a severe weather event. However, some have significant anxiety associated with severe weather that lingers even when there is no threat. When such anxiety goes untreated, more serious mental health challenges can arise, including phobias.    

Below, examine the common causes of storm-related phobias and how storm anxiety impacts overall well-being. In addition, discover therapeutic methods used by mental health professionals to treat anxiety and phobias and suggestions for how to care for your mental well-being when living with weather-related anxiety.

Learn to cope with weather-related anxiety in therapy

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Why do some people have serious anxiety around severe storms?

Storm anxiety can arise for various reasons. Storms are unpredictable and powerful, and the sense of being unable to control them can contribute to anxiety. The anticipation of a storm, especially a severe one, can also create uncertainty and worry. Being caught in heavy rain or flooding or experiencing damage to property or loved ones can lead to a fear of future storms. 

In the case of anxiety disorders and phobia, science suggests genetics could play a role, making individuals more susceptible if they have a family history. Storm-related fears are common in children and can persist into adulthood if not addressed. For some people, the loud sounds of thunder, bright flashes of lightning, and strong winds can be overwhelming and lead to sensory overload and anxiety. 

Common types of weather-related phobias

According to The American Psychological Association (APA), natural environment-type phobias are characterized by intense, irrational fear of “entities in the natural surroundings (e.g., heights, storms, water, lightening.)” Natural environment-related phobias are one of five phobia types outlined by the APA, along with animal type, blood-injection-injury type, situational type, and others that can't be classified under any of the other subtypes. Some research suggests that natural environment phobias are the second most common, with storm phobias occurring in 2%-3% of the general population. Below are the more typical types of storm-related phobias:

• Lilapsophobia: An irrational or excessive fear of tornadoes or hurricanes
• Astraphobia (aka brontophobia): An intense and irrational fear of thunder and lightning
• Ancraophobia: An overwhelming and persistent fear of wind
• Antlophobia: An intense, persistent fear of floods

Common symptoms of storm anxiety   

Storm anxiety symptoms often vary in intensity and frequency between people, occurring on a spectrum depending on certain factors. Additionally, storm anxiety symptoms can manifest in different ways depending on the individual. For example, some people experience physical symptoms like those of a panic attack, while others don’t. Some may struggle with dysregulated emotions but don’t show behaviors associated with anxiety. Many people experience a combination of physical, emotional, and behavioral symptoms. 

Physical symptoms of weather-related anxiety

Physical symptoms of anxiety may include heart palpitations, shortness of breath, and hyperventilation. Some people experience dizziness, chest pain, sweating, and shaking. Muscle tension and headaches are also common. Some individuals experience changes in appetite and sleep disturbances. 

Fear and other emotional symptoms of storm stress

People with anxiety may have trouble with regulating their emotional responses. Persistent, sometimes overwhelming fear or worry without apparent danger is a common symptom. Feelings of unease, tension, and restlessness may make relaxing difficult. Some people with anxiety experience increased sensitivity and may become easily angered or frustrated. 

A tendency to anticipate negative outcomes or catastrophize situations can contribute to persistent feelings that something terrible is forthcoming. Distressing, unwanted thoughts or images may appear in one's mind without warning. Intrusive thoughts, persistent fear, and problems with controlling emotions can sometimes lead to feelings of sadness, hopelessness, or a loss of interest in activities. 

Behavioral responses 

Constant, obsessive worry may lead to behaviors that negatively impact an individual’s well-being. For example, a person might become preoccupied with monitoring the weather forecast on the news, looking for severe weather predictions even if there is no chance of a storm. Some people cope with storm stress by hoarding emergency supplies, building a storm shelter, or compulsively rehearsing emergency contingency plans. 

How weather-related anxiety can impact daily functioning

Weather-related anxiety can impact one’s daily life in several ways. For example, an individual might refuse to leave the house or specific locations regardless of predicted bad weather. Additionally, some people avoid traveling during storm season or to areas more prone to inclement weather. Anxiety can impact an individual's executive functioning, potentially impairing memory, decision-making, and concentration. Trouble sleeping and changes in appetite are typical anxiety symptoms that can affect physical and mental health. 

Potential long-term consequences of unmanaged storm anxiety 

When anxiety isn’t addressed, it can lead to long-term health problems. For example, chronic stress can cause hypertension, increasing one’s risk of heart disease, stroke, and other cardiovascular problems. Digestive conditions like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and ulcers may emerge, and prolonged anxiety can compromise the immune system, making individuals more susceptible to infections and illnesses. 

Chronic stress can have a significant, long-term impact on mental health, too. Unmanaged stress and fear can lead to a variety of anxiety disorders, including generalized anxiety (GAD), social anxiety, and phobias. Some develop conditions like obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Anxiety also often coexists with or can progress to depression and, in severe cases, may increase the risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors. 

How mental health experts treat storm anxiety

Many approaches can be used to treat phobias and anxiety, and a mental health professional might use a combination of methods to help someone struggling with weather-related anxiety. Common psychotherapies for anxiety and phobias include the following. 

Exposure therapy

Exposure therapy involves gradually exposing individuals to the object of their phobia in a safe, controlled environment. For storm anxiety, this might mean starting with listening to recordings of thunder or looking at pictures of thunderstorms, progressing to watching videos, and eventually, practicing staying calm during a real-life storm. Exposure therapy aims to help individuals become more comfortable with their fears and learn that they can cope with them. 

Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT)

Cognitive-behavioral therapy is a common type of “talk therapy” that helps people identify and reframe unhelpful thoughts and beliefs that contribute to mental distress and maladaptive behaviors. In the context of storm anxiety, CBT can help individuals recognize and challenge negative thoughts about storms and develop more realistic and helpful perspectives. This modality can also teach clients coping mechanisms to manage anxiety symptoms during a storm. 

Dialectical-behavior therapy (DBT)

Dialectical behavior therapy combines talk therapy with stress reduction techniques like guided meditation and breathing to help people better manage difficult emotions. This modality can be beneficial for individuals who have trouble coping with intense emotions—a common symptom of anxiety. 

Medication

In some cases, doctors might prescribe anti-anxiety medication to help people manage symptoms and prevent panic attacks. Medication is typically used in tandem with psychotherapy for a more tailored approach to treating anxiety and phobia. 

The BetterHelp platform is not intended to provide any information regarding which medication or medical treatment may be appropriate for you. The content provides generalized information that is not specific to one individual. Do not take any action without consulting a qualified medical professional.

Coping strategies for storm anxiety

As a complement to therapy, mental health professionals often teach their clients skills that allow them to handle anxiety on their own. For example, people may use relaxation methods such as deep breathing, meditation, and grounding exercises to remain calm and centered during a weather emergency. Such coping strategies can also be used to manage anxiety symptoms unrelated to weather-based stressors.

Engage in activities that promote well-being, such as exercise or spending time in nature. Eat nutritious meals, get plenty of quality sleep, and seek emotional support from trusted friends and family members. While keeping up with weather information can be helpful for emergency preparedness, reducing exposure to stories about storms through social media or other sources may prevent anxiety from escalating. 

The role of preparedness in reducing storm-related fear and stress

Having a plan in place for severe weather events can reduce anxiety and feelings of uncertainty. Consider educating yourself on weather safety to regain a sense of control. Learn how to create a well-thought-out emergency plan and assemble a storm preparedness kit. 

Emergency preparedness resources for severe storms

Many resources are available to help people remain prepared and in control during hazardous weather situations. You may use the following resources: 

• The NOAA Weather Radio All Hazards (NWR) network: The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration provides updated information about weather warnings and storm warnings through a nationwide network of radio stations, allowing people to track storms in real-time.  
• Ready.gov: Ready.gov is a US government website offering various resources and information about natural and other disaster situations. The site features an emergency kit checklist, a family communication plan form, and a link to download the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) app. 
• The American Red Cross: The Red Cross website includes an emergency resource library offering strategies for handling a wide range of disasters and emergencies. It also offers tips on how to stay safe and recover after a disaster, as well as a directory of natural disaster resources in your area. 

When is it time to seek professional help?

Consider speaking to a mental health professional if anxiety makes it difficult to complete tasks, maintain relationships, or work effectively. You might also benefit from therapy if you find yourself avoiding certain places or situations, have no interest in activities you once enjoyed, or are overwhelmed and struggle to cope with everyday stressors. 

Constant restlessness and hypervigilance are also potential signs of escalating anxiety. Speak to someone if you have trouble controlling your emotions or experience panic attacks, disproportionate fear and worry, or anxiety that lasts six months or more. 

Learn to cope with weather-related anxiety in therapy

Talk to a licensed therapist

Where to find mental health experts who treat weather-related anxiety

You can find local therapists through your primary care physician or insurance provider or by conducting a quick internet search. However, symptoms of storm anxiety might make it emotionally challenging for some people to visit a therapist in person. For example, extreme fear might make one uncomfortable in new environments or reluctant to leave their house. Internet-delivered therapy can be an excellent solution in such cases. 

Platforms like BetterHelp give individuals access to a broad pool of therapists experienced in treating anxiety and phobias. Online platforms allow you to attend therapy from the comfort of your home on a schedule that suits your needs, and you can message your therapist if you need support between sessions. 

Research also shows that online therapy can be as effective as traditional modalities for treating several mental health conditions, including anxiety. For example, one 2021 meta-analysis reviewed eight studies measuring the effectiveness of online therapy for anxiety. The researchers found that the online therapy participants experienced similar positive therapeutic outcomes as those who participated in traditional, in-person treatment for different types of anxiety, including specific phobia and panic disorder.