Managing storm anxiety with severe weather in the forecast
EVANSVILLE, Ind. (WFIE) - Severe weather in the forecast can trigger storm anxiety in some people.
If you suffer from storm anxiety, experts say it’s important to prepare yourself before storms move in.
“One of the first things we talk about with anxiety, is you want to make sure you’re making time to do your basic self care,” says Jessica Puntney, a recreation therapist at Deaconess Cross Pointe. “Make sure you’re not skipping meals, you’re getting sleep, you’re doing the basic self care things.”
Puntney says it’s important to keep an eye on the forecast, but not watch it constantly. That can be overwhelming.
“While you’re keeping updated, if you have something else to keep you busy,” she says. “Maybe there’s a hobby you’re interested in, or someone you enjoy talking to, finding something to keep your mind occupied can keep the anxiety levels at bay.”
With the severe threat falling overnight, Puntney suggests having a plan in place before you go to bed. That could include setting up weather alerts on your phone.
“When your app goes off with the weather alerts, then you know this is when I need to turn on the news, this is when I need to watch, but then I can relax and have my down time and my leisure and get my mind off of it outside of that,” Puntney said.
It’s also important to have a support system. Talk to others, maybe even those that have anxiety as well.
“Don’t sit there doing nothing else,” she says, “because then you have nothing to do but worry about what’s coming.”
If you find your anxiety levels rising, try a breathing technique like the box method. Breathe in for four seconds, hold it for four, breathe out for four, then hold for four. Repeating that can help slow your heart rate and calm your mind.
If you suffer from severe storm anxiety, you may want to seek professional help. Deaconess has a Behavioral Health Urgent Care seven days a week, both in person and video visits.
To schedule an in-person visit, click HERE.
To schedule a virtual visit, click HERE.
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