Typical triggers of storms can include traumatic experiences such as a lightning strike nearby or a particularly threatening storm during childhood. Photo: PETER KNEFFEL/dpa
If the sound of thunder rumbling makes you panic or you dread a flash of lightning then fear not, you are not alone in worrying about thunderstorms.
Here's how to decide whether you need treatment, and how you can overcome this fear, plus further tips from psychologist Johannes Lanzinger.
What distinguishes "normal" nervousness during storms from a fear or phobia that requires treatment?
Lanzinger: "Normal" nervousness during thunderstorms is very common – people are often momentarily unsettled by a loud clap of thunder or a bright flash of lightning.
But the phobia, known as astraphobia or brontophobia, is diagnosed when the fear is excessively strong and disrupts your daily life. That may mean you experience physical symptoms such as a racing heart, trembling, sweating, or shortness of breath as soon as a thunderstorm approaches or even when one is forecast.
A hallmark of this condition is pronounced avoidance behaviour, such as avoiding outdoor activities or constantly checking weather apps. We call this a phobia when the fear is disproportionate and significantly impacts your life, perhaps through panic attacks or an inability to keep calm during thunderstorms.
Are there typical triggers or causes for this type of fear? Are some people more prone to it or to phobias in general?
Fear of thunderstorms is not just a childhood issue – it affects people of all ages. Typical triggers can include traumatic experiences such as a lightning strike nearby or a particularly threatening storm during childhood. Learned behaviours, such as those from anxious parents, can also be involved.
Some individuals are generally more prone to phobias due to a genetic predisposition to heightened anxiety or past experiences of losing control. People with other anxiety disorders or a sensitive stress response are more likely to develop specific phobias, such as fear of thunderstorms. The unpredictability of storms often amplifies the feeling of helplessness.
What specific strategies or exercises can help someone affected when the situation is acute, say when a thunderstorm is approaching or has already started?
In acute situations, simple, practical techniques can help reduce panic. Breathing exercises are very effective: inhale slowly and deeply through your nose for four seconds, hold your breath for four seconds, and exhale slowly through your mouth for six seconds. It calms your body and shifts your focus away from the fear.
Progressive muscle relaxation, where you tense and then release different muscle groups one by one, can also be helpful. Another strategy is to focus on a specific task, such as reading or listening to music, to drown out the sounds of the storm.
It is important to reduce avoidance behaviours, such as constantly checking the weather, as that can reinforce your fear. Seeking safe places in the house, such as a room without windows, can also have a calming effect.
Are there proven therapeutic approaches that can help someone overcome a fear of thunderstorms in the long term?
Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) is the gold standard for treating fear of thunderstorms. It helps identify negative thought patterns, such as "Thunderstorms are always dangerous," and replace them with more realistic thoughts. In therapy, patients also learn to better understand and control the physical reactions associated with fear.
A key component is exposure therapy, where individuals are deliberately confronted with their fear, for example, through videos or sounds of thunderstorms, to learn that fear is not dangerous and that the anticipated outcomes do not occur.
You cannot plan to be in a thunderstorm as easily as say if you are dealing with heights and go somewhere high up. You can treat fear of flying with exposure through virtual reality (VR) – is that an option for fear of thunderstorms, and who does it work for?
Yes, we use virtual reality to safely and controllably expose individuals to their fear. We have a range of VR environments to simulate realistic thunderstorm scenarios – from light rain to intense lightning and thunder. We gradually raise the intensity, allowing patients to slowly approach the anxiety-inducing situation. The advantage is that everything takes place in the safe environment of our practice. Our brain reacts to the visual and auditory stimuli in VR similarly to how it would in reality, making the exposure very effective.
The method is suitable for almost anyone willing to confront their fear, regardless of age or the severity of the phobia.VR is particularly helpful for individuals who are not yet ready for real-life exposure, as it is an environment that is still controllable. – dpa
