Thunderstorms and panic attacks?

Question

ok so I have been having panic attacks for almost a year now I used to not even be able to leave my room and have since become better with that but I am VERY terrified of panicing during a thunderstorm because you cant Leave if there is one your kinda well stuck if you get my jist. I am scared of completely panicing and being unable to ease it. What can I do?? please I need answers soon I usually find ways to cope but theres supposed to be severe thunderstorms for the next night and day. Needless to say I already feel anxious in waiting. As well I work outside in a horse barn with a Tin roof VERY loud and frightnening but I Have to go to work so that REALLY REALLY terrifies me especially the getting there and back home again and not having my mom there makes me all the more anxious. I am 18 now and I should be living freely like everyone else my age but I cant even ride in cars with ppl. would take meds but IM Very afraid of side effects etc. I tried herbs but none have worked.help

Answer 1

I read your post and I can really relate to the fear of thunderstorms. That is one of the few times I take my medication for panic attacks - at the beginning of a thunderstorm. I take Ativan 2 mg and it calms me down so I don't have a panic attack. I don't take Ativan every day - only when necessary because it is addictive if you take it every day.

You need to overcome your fear of side effects. Your doctor will start you out with a very low dose of something. For example if it's Ativan, 0.5 mg. That's a very low dose. You can call your pharmacist and request a printout for whatever medication your doctor gives you. It will list all the possible side effects. Everyone is different, so you just have to try it. Then you will be aware of the side effects and maybe you won't have any. I don't.

I wish you well. Good luck!

Answer 2

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RE:
Thunderstorms and panic attacks?
ok so I have been having panic attacks for almost a year now I used to not even be able to leave my room and have since become better with that but I am VERY terrified of panicing during a thunderstorm because you cant Leave if there is one your kinda well stuck if you get my jist. I am scared of...

Answer 3

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Answer 4

This qualifies as a phobia, because the symptoms are severe enough to limit your life. You need to talk to your doctor about this, and get a referral to a therapist or psychologist who is trained in phobias. Medication could help, and the side effects, if any, would probably be very minor, but if it really worries you, you can combat this phobia without them. But you do need the help of a qualified therapist.

As with any phobia, you need to focus on the rational aspects of your fear. How likely are you to be harmed in a thunderstorm? while driving in one? Look at the hard statistics - how many serious accidents do thunderstorms cause each year? The noise is certainly intense, but the noise in itself is harmless. Keep reminding yourself of the rational, reasonable facts, instead of dwelling on the what-ifs. Give yourself a mantra to focus on, and find an activity to give you something to do during the storm. Have a sympathetic friend you can call or have stay with you during the storm.

Answer 5

OMG your just like I used to be. I had panic attacks all the time of throwing up. I had a lot of fears, one of them was thunderstorms. What you do is keep cool. Drink water and take deep breaths. Once you convince yourself you can control yourself, you will be able to.

Answer 6

Averella - panic attacks are caused by FEAR. When you feel fear (stressed) your body produces adrenaline. Adrenaline is the "Fight or Flight" hormone, which can 'pump' you up so you can fight or give you more energy so you can run. When stressed your body also shuts down functions other than the 'fight or flight' so you are able to move quickly and increases your tolerance to pain (you may feel numb). For example, under stress your body will stop digesting food and more blood will flow to your arms and legs. Under stress due to extra adrenaline you might have racing heartbeat, chest pain, cold hands and feet, muscle twitches.

After the stress is over and your adrenaline levels begin to drop, you may experience adrenaline withdrawal - like a hangover after drinking. Some symptoms of adrenaline withdrawal are dry mouth/tickle in throat, numbness, dizziness/lightheadedness, trembling, trouble breathing, stiffness.

The fear, adrenaline and adreline withdrawal are so terrifying and just keep recycling, which is why you never seem to feel or get any better.

One good way to break the stress/panic attack cycle is by using EFT (Emotional Freedom Technique) or Emotional Tapping. In EFT you apply gentle acupressure tapping to specific body points to release stress. EFT is easy to learn (you can learn the basics in 15-30 minutes). You can use EFT anytime, anywhere for any emotional or physical issue. One basic round of EFT takes about one minute to complete. EFT works quickly and painlessly and is great at stopping panic attacks.

Please download the FREE EFT Instructional manual from the EFT website (www.emofree.com). Also, please watch the FREE introductory video.

Good luck!

Answer 7

I was once like you before, scared of everything, and had severe panic attacks. The doctor gave me Prozac, and yes I had minimal side effects and was afraid to take them, but I forced myself, and I felt normal in about 3 weeks. It's not a happy pill, it just even outs your serotonin in your brain, which is usually the reason for depression and panic. They go hand in hand. The doctor can also prescribe Xanax, a very mild tranquilizer that takes the edge off. You would be surprised of how well these meds. work, and be mad for not taking them sooner. Please get help so you can enjoy life.

Answer 8

Everyone with panic attacks has their own trigger. Thunderstorms are yours. Try this site for more info. You may find it interesting. www.panicsurvivor.com. Good luck.

Answer 9

It sounds like you have left that a rather long time.

Start by focusing on your breathing. When you feel stressed your breathing tends to be shallow.

Take a few deep breaths to relax.
Learn a meditation and progessive muscle exercise.

Find a safe room. The likelyhood of a lightning strike is pretty slim. Especially in modern barns where the building must be grounded to meet electrical standards.

See these exercises on my website.
http://themeaningisyou.com

Answer 10

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