Is it normal to be scared of thunder and lightning?

Is it normal to be scared of thunder and lightning?

Astraphobia is extreme fear of thunder and lightning. It can affect people of all ages, though it may be more common in children than adults. It’s also seen in animals. Many children who have this fear will eventually outgrow it, but others will continue to experience the phobia into adulthood.

How do I get over my fear of thunder and lightning?

“With exposure therapy, the person may watch videos of storms or listen to the sound of thunder,” Dr. Hirsh says. Breathing techniques and progressive muscle relaxation can also be useful in treating astraphobia.

Is astraphobia common?

In 2007, scientists found astraphobia is the third most prevalent phobia in the US. It can occur in people of any age. It occurs in many children, and should not be immediately identified as a phobia because children naturally go through many fears as they mature.

Can thunder hurt you in your house?

Even though your home is a safe shelter during a lightning storm, you may still be at risk. About one-third of lightning-strike injuries occur indoors.

What is the fear of thunder called?

Astraphobia, also known as brontophobia, is a kind of phobia characterized by an intense fear of extremely loud but natural noises in the environment. Namely, lightning and thunder.

How do you get rid of storm anxiety?

Prepare

  1. Create a plan — A well-prepared plan for your family can help reduce anxiety and chaos before, during, and afterward.
  2. Be informed — Stay up-to-date on weather information and warnings.
  3. Talk it out — Share your fears with family members, friends, a counselor, or others who can offer emotional support.

Is there a cure for astraphobia?

The good news is that astraphobia doesn’t have to be permanent. The condition is reversible and can be treated with anxiety medication or relaxation techniques. Psychotherapy has been found to be the most effective means of tackling astraphobia and other types of anxiety.

Who is scared of thunder and lightning?

Astraphobia is extreme fear of thunder and lightning. It can affect people of all ages, though it may be more common in children than adults. It’s also seen in animals. Many children who have this fear will eventually outgrow it, but others will continue to experience the phobia into adulthood.

Why are you scared of lightning and Thunder?

However, many adults are known to suffer excessively from Astraphobia mainly due to a prior traumatic event associated with such adverse weather. In many cases of Astraphobia, the sufferer is known to have experienced an electric shock when there is lightning and thunder outside. This leads to a fear of storms which persists through adulthood.

How do I overcome my fear of thunderstorms?

Come up with a storm plan. A properly installed lightning rod is the best protection for any building during a thunderstorm.

  • Expose yourself to storms in a controlled situation. Facing your fear by exposing yourself to the thing you are afraid of can help you desensitize yourself.
  • Decrease the amount of safety items you use.
  • Are You Afraid of lightening and/or thunder?

    Forget about kids, many of us adults are still scared of thunder and lightning . And not without reason, for thunderstorms can be dangerous if you are outside as the risk of getting stuck by lightening is high. So there is no wonder that many kids are scared of thunder too.