I used to love storms until during a hurricane I saw my fence flying and last time I saw a funnel cloud close to my house and I live in a manufactured house in Fl, I know it's useless to be afraid of storms in Fl but I have panic attacks and even cry during them but try to control my breathing and it helps... I pray too.
Any advice please?
2006-07-28 14:10:03 · 12 answers · asked by Firelei P 2 in Health ➔ Other - Health
I live in Central Fl and my area was hit by Charley, Frances, Jeanne..
2006-07-28 18:23:37 · update #1
Hi, Firelei!
I'm a stormchaser. (Scud is a type of cloud). Would you believe that most stormchasers started out afraid of storms as children, and had a fear/fascination conundrum with them from their childhoods?
#1, the advice to get to shelter cannot be overemphasized. Don't take the attitude that "It can't really happen here". That's how people die. Heed the advice of the warnings issued by the NWS.
As a stormchaser, it breaks my heart whenever I hear of fatalities that didn't need to happen, and most storm casualties, like 99%, are totally preventable. People just won't take the warnings seriously, unfortunately.
#2, You can conquer your fear by learning about storms and storm structure. Stormchasers grow less and less afraid of storms as they learn more and more about them. There are more sources of information about storms on the internet than any single person could read in a lifetime. There are also books and local severe weather workshops you can attend (no cost). Check with your nearest NWS office on the web to find out when there will be a workshop near you. You might try the "SkyWarn" link, (if there is one) because SkyWarn usually hosts the workshops.
Start out here: www.stormtrack.org I have been a member since 2001, and you may not be able to post on the forum, but you can read posts. There are many many many links for information about storms from there as well.
Good luck!
2006-07-29 12:25:19 · answer #1 · answered by BobBobBob 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Hurricanes are a scary thing. I live in FL too and know how you feel. Small storms don't really bother me but when hurricane season comes around I can feel the anxiety build. You must be in an area that got hit a multitude of times. I think that you have to remember that the normal storms that we have down in FL are just that...storms. I think that you need to watch the storms (little) and start facing them again little by little. It's ok to be scared, but you need to get to the point where you don't freeze up just in case of an emergency. I think that meditating, facing the storms and getting yourself back would be a good way to start getting over fear. What part of FL are you in?
I'm in central.
2006-07-28 21:32:43 · answer #2 · answered by Moon 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you live in a manufactured home you should leave and seek more safe shelter as soon as the weather service says so. Or even sooner! I live in Fl back when hurricane Charley came through even though I live in a (supposedly) hurricane proof house (cinder block) my hubby and I and our two cats went north to GA where our families are and waited till all clear. Whatever you do get out if you know the storm is going to be a bad one.
2006-07-28 21:22:50 · answer #3 · answered by planty 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I live part time In FL, and part time in IL. We just had a nasty storm here in IL yesterday. Yes, there were funnel clouds, lightning, thunder, torrential rain. and yes, I was very nervous. I also didn't used to be afraid of storms until an F5 tornado struck nearby back in 1990, killing 29 people. That one scared me to death. I don't have any cures or advice, I just wanted to let you know that you're not the only one, you're not alone in how you feel.
2006-07-28 21:17:49 · answer #4 · answered by mightymite1957 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Well, I just pray. It really helps. I'm not scared very much because we've never gotten one that has messed up our house or anything. I've never even seen one even though we get warnings all the time! And I mean all the time. I live in the most dangerous state because of the tornadoes! Just pray. One way to keep safe, is have a safety kit that you bring to the basement or other room. take matches, flashlights, and keep a blanket with you just in case. Hope it works!
2006-07-28 21:17:21 · answer #5 · answered by Rose 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I didn't mind storms until I was in the car during a tornadoe... for me it wore off eventually. In a few years if it doesn't then it is a phobia you have developed and really no big deal. Just keep ur deep breathing and praying and u will be alright.
2006-07-28 21:30:15 · answer #6 · answered by luckystar53 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I love storms too, but I am afraid of tornadoes. I also get panic attacks but only when I see spiders. So I can sympathize.
Since you know you are having a panic attack, try to tell yourself to relax and that you aren't hurt and everything will be okay. Sometimes mental notes like that help you.
2006-07-28 21:16:22 · answer #7 · answered by bella italia 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
In Florida storms are a fact of life. Either get used to them, or move.
2006-07-28 21:15:34 · answer #8 · answered by lynda_is 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You're not going to be able to move away from storms. You could face your fears, and try to conquer them. Try to stay safe in the process though.
2006-07-28 21:16:06 · answer #9 · answered by scarsoflife8282 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Can you move I live in CA I will take an earthquake any day over hurricanes and tornado's
2006-07-28 21:15:29 · answer #10 · answered by Susie 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋