Tips to help with severe weather anxiety

EVANSVILLE, Ind. (WFIE) - Storms are inevitable for the Tri-State, and we have seen our fair share of them throughout the last year.

Some people’s fear and worry associated with storms causes them to be scared or have anxiety with impending weather.

“I get nervous. I feel like a swirling sensation down in the pit of my stomach. Usually, my breathing picks up a little bit, and I just try to watch the weather and make sure I’m prepared,” said Leslie Hertel.

Mental health professionals say another way to explain weather related anxiety is a trauma response, which is described as a reaction after exposure to a traumatic weather event.

“Usually if there’s talk of tornados I’m on high alert,” said Hertel.

“When I talk to those who have storm anxiety, you have to have a plan and practice your plan to gain confidence,” said Meteorologist Byron Douglas.

That can be a plan you create individually or a plan you create together with your family.

“Everybody has a role, and you gain confidence by practicing your role. Setting the mood, maybe in severe weather, family plays a board game, does an art project, bakes cookies, but keep apprised of the weather and take action,” said Byron.

Another way to help storm related fear and anxiety is to be informed and educated.

Hertel took weather classes to help her gain knowledge to know herself what was going on.

“I feel like that has helped my anxiety with weather a lot. It’s helpful to know the cloud formations and if the clouds are rotating or moving in one direction, just so I don’t get too anxious when I see clouds outside.

If you missed our 30 minute weather special, you can watch it here.

You can also see the full show on our YouTube page.

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