Tips for managing storm anxiety?

[PastaDog]

There is severe weather moving into my area over the next few days, and my anxiety is extremely amplified by this. I used to manage storms without issue until a few years ago, and now suffer panic attacks almost every time any severe weather gets close.

I'm on my own for the first time since this manifested and have to weather it completely alone, so any kind words or suggestions are greatly appreciated! 👍

[Dolphin14]

PastaDog

I'm so sorry this storm is approaching and you are stressed out.

Is it the noise of the storm? The fear of damage? Do you know what causes the fear?

Can you drown out the noise? Find a quiet place in your home where you might feel more secure?

🐬

[PastaDog in reply to Dolphin14]

thanks so much for responding on both this and my cross post!

currently, being alone in general is scary to me, so that's amplifying it... but I think it's the fear of damage. Fear of harm, fear of harm of family and friends nearby. I was talking to someone about it earlier this evening and I think it could stem from being left alone a lot as a child...and severe weather being a common thing in the area i grew up, I would have to deal with sheltering and sirens going off alone as a kid and it was scary. I think it repressed maybe and then manifested when my ptsd really blew up a few years ago.

[Dolphin14 in reply to PastaDog]

I had wondered if this stemmed back to your childhood. It all makes sense now.

I'm so sorry you went through that as a little one. This must have been so frightening.

I've done a lot of inner child work.

Try to keep telling this little boy that you are safe now. You are not in that same situation, you can rescue yourself if you need to.

[OldestSibling]

My best friend has the same anxiety about storms as you do. She even has to go to her children’s house whenever there are storms forecast.

Her doctor prescribed an anti anxiety medication to take as needed that does help.