Coping with Thunder Storms

sillystring · 02-11-2008, 02:54 AM

Okay, I LOVE the rain. But have a severe irrational fear of thunder and lightning storms. It's mostly the lightning I'm actually afraid of, but the thunder is really loud and with my PTSD and exagerated startle responses, today has NOT been fun with the big storm we have.

Anyone have tips on how to cope with the anxiety from something like this?

I'm a mess right now. I was already anxious before the storm. This is ridiculous though. I've torn apart my room looking EVERYWHERE praying I could find even just one tiny xanax. No such luck. I've been out, I might be getting more on Monday. I'm on buspar for anxiety, but it's not enough right now... of course going through what I think is a withdrawal from the xanax (if you can even do that, idk...) isn't helping either.

Alegria · 02-11-2008, 04:31 AM

Watch a movie? Try to fall asleep? Talk to someone?

Anything that will get your mind off the storm would be good. If you don't like the sound of the thunder, try putting on headphones and listening to music loud. For the lightning... maybe there's a room in your house without windows, or a basement, that you could go to?

BunnythesAINT · 02-11-2008, 04:32 AM

I'm sorry. I went to girl scout camp once and after a bad thundery storm I really don't like them (look the tents looked like they offered 0 protection lol). Normally I try to listen to music or if I can talk to a friend or read, eventually I stop noticing the thunder and lightening. It also helps if I pull all the blinds/shades/curtains down and that helps me.

~SuNsHiNe~ · 02-11-2008, 10:03 AM

I have PTSD too and know how hard to manage the heightened startle responses can be *hugs* like everyones said, i think its probly best to try to get as far away from the noise as possible, and listen to music/watch tv etc to try to distract u from it..hope the thunderstorm stops soon, take care :)

HopeRises · 02-11-2008, 11:53 AM

hey, im terrified of thunder storms tooi usually try to hide under a bed or in a car (safest place) but in reality the storm is unlikely to hurt you.
Stay safe and take care
your not alone in this.
Leighxxx