If you have been following the news recently, you’ve seen what Mother Nature has been doing around the world.
In a matter of weeks, Nepal was hit hard with 2 major earthquakes that led to aftershocks, landslides, destruction, death, and panic.
Mother Nature hit closer to home when Lake City, Iowa was hit by a tornado. Omaha has already seen a few severe thunderstorms this spring, and summer is sure to follow suit. If you live with a fear of severe weather, you aren’t alone.
Being fearful of severe weather isn’t something you want to get rid of completely. It’s natural, makes you aware of danger, and is designed to save your life. However, if just the mention of severe weather sends you into a deep panic, then you should consider reaching out for help.
Here are a few ways to help you lessen your fear:
Why are you scared? Figure out where your fear stems from: Were you in a flood or tornado when you were young? Are you scared of losing family, friends, and your home?
Reverse negative thinking. In a phobic situation, you typically experience negative thoughts and scary images, which can then trigger physical symptoms like panic attacks, quickened breathing, sweating, dizziness, etc. Allow your fear to exist but try to shift from the negative thoughts into something more realistic.
For example, when you hear the weatherman say that there is a chance of severe weather during the weekend, don’t jump to the conclusion that there will be a tornado. Instead, take a few deep breaths to settle yourself down and come up with a plan that makes you feel safe: “There’s a chance for severe weather. I will listen for weather alerts to keep up-to-date on the latest news and make sure I am okay.”
Take steps to overcome. Mother Nature is scary because you have no control over it. If the weather is going to turn severe you can’t stop it. However, you can prepare for it.
- Listen to the Weather Radio or local radio or television station for the latest information.
- Be alert to changing weather conditions, and look for approaching storms.
- Build an emergency kit consisting of food, water, batteries, and flashlights (enough for every member of your family).
- Come up with a family plan. Chances are you worry about severe weather because you are concerned about losing members of your family. Make a family plan so that your entire family will be ready. Your family may not be together when a disaster strikes, so it is important to plan in advance: how you will get to a safe place, how you will contact one another, how you will get back together, and what you will do in different situations.
If you’d like to set up a time to meet up with Reka, you can contact her by phone at 402-881-8125, by email at reka@omaha-counseling.com, or via Twitter or Facebook.
