Astraphobia is an above-normal fear of sky-related events such aslightning, thunder and storms . The word astraphobia is derived from the Greek words 'astrape' meaning 'lightning' and 'phobos' meaning 'phobia'. Individuals with this type of phobia have an intense fear of bad weather, thunder and lightning. They close all the windows in the house to avoid facing this sound, turn on music at too loud a volume, close the curtains to avoid seeing the lightning, and sometimes even get under the covers. They don't even want to go out when the weather is bad because they don't know what unfavorable situations they will face outside. Therefore, they feel the need to constantly check the weather.
People react abruptly to rapid changes in the sky. For example, even weather events that pose only a small risk, such as light rainfall, make people feel anxious and tense. All kinds of physical symptoms occur, such as shivering, sweating, urge to use the toilet, vomiting and sudden heartbeat. They feel the need to feel safe and take precautions, not only closing the window but also the curtains.
This intense fear can be caused by bad and traumatic events that have happened to individuals. Lightning and thunder phobia can occur in individuals who have experienced a negative situation such as electric shock, in people who have been struck by lightning in a nearby area and have seen the destruction in this area, in people who have lost loved ones due to electric shock.
It can manifest itself in individuals through genetic transmission. Having people in the family who are very afraid of thunder and lightning can cause individuals to carry this phobia.
What are the Symptoms of Astraphobia?
These people are very interested in weather news. They want to know in advance what the weather will be like, they usually follow the weather forecast. They never go outside without checking the weather, dislike rapid weather changes and get nervous. When this fear is exacerbated and no measures are taken, it can turn into agoraphobia, which is expressed as 'fear of going out of the house'.
Effects of Astraphobia (fear of lightning and thunder)
Astraphobia, also known as fear of lightning and thunder, does not seem to be a phobia that affects life very much at first glance, but this is not the case. Individuals with this phobia limit their lives because of their phobia and problems occur in their social and work life. For example; You are going to work, the weather is bad and it is raining.
While this is a natural situation for people without phobia, it is quite frightening for people with astraphobia. Therefore, their work life is badly affected.
Who Suffers from Astraphobia?
Astraphobia does not have a specific age, it can be seen in individuals of all age groups. However, when a generalization is made, it is possible to say that it occurs more commonly in children. Since children are naturally fearful of external factors, they are more likely to be astraphobic than other age groups. If a child has astraphobic symptoms, their parents should intervene in a timely manner to prevent significant problems when they become adults.
How is astraphobia treated?
Cognitive behavioral therapy is one of the most commonly used treatments for this fear. Here, the causes of the phobia are observed and these causes are addressed and progress is aimed to be made.
EMDR is another widely used method to end this phobia. It has its origins in CBT and is very useful for the client if the cause of the phobia is a trauma. Because EMDR focuses on addressing the times of trauma and eliminating the cognitive effects of these memories that have lasted until this time, and neutralizing the individual about the memory. Since this phobia, as mentioned above, is based on high levels of past memories and traumas, EMDR will be a targeted and successful technique.
Another method forthe treatment of astraphobia is breathing therapy. This treatment method aims to calm the person by using correct breathing techniques during adverse weather conditions.
Exposing the individual slowly and gradually to the situation to which the phobia is directed is also among the effective treatment methods. In this technique, psychotherapists may begin by showing a video of a thunderstorm or a thunderstorm or lightning strike.