I'm really scared of Tornadoes (and Thunderstorms)!?

Question

Im really scared of thunderstorms and Tornadoes. I'm 29 years old and I try to think that it is normal but the true is that I am having a panic attack just with a little wind. I went to the doctor last year and she gave me some pills for my nerves but It doesn't work so I am not taking it anymore. Now I have Xanax just for emergencies but I took one the last time we had a tornado warning and it doesn't work.

Just with the weather telling that will be a severe thunderstorm I am super scared. I take everybody to the closet down stairs (including my husband, my baby, my dogs and even my quail.... and if I have time, my chickens too!!!)

I start to feel stomach ache and if I continue like this I will have a heart attack some day.

The last week I was in my work and my boss suddenly said to all the employees: "Now, we will talk about security... what to do in a tornado..."... So I Asked the lady next to me if is a lot of tornadoes here and she told me: "Sometimes".

Answer 1

I DON'T THINK PILLS ARE YOUR ANSWER.  BE INFORMED. YOU HAVE A BABY TO TAKE CARE OF. CHECK YOUR OPTIONS ON WHAT TO DO IN CASE OF  A TORNADO. YOUR PLACE OF WORK TALKS ABOUT IT TO PREPARE YOU NOT SCARE YOU.  GET YOUR HUSBAND INVOLVED.

Answer 2

well, just make sure you have enough supplies in case of a disaster, we all need to do that.  be prepared, so you won't be so frightened, make sure you make an emergency kit with flash lights, batteries, food, comfort items, medication, water, blankets, first aid kit, and pet foods, and a change of clothes.  then if that is there, you won't be so paranoid, because you will know what will happen if a tornado or a severe thunder storm comes, you will take care of your family.  I would also suggest asking the doctor for some hydroxyzine, which is non addictive, and it does relax you.  It will work as well or better than the xanax, and it is cheaper.  although, you may have to take it regularly during the heavy weather season, you will feel much better.  take charge.

Answer 3

isnt tennesse located where they call "tornado Alley"

Answer 4

You have three options. Take tranquilisers. Or consult a psychiatrist. Or move to somewhere where tornadoes and severe thunderstorms are so rare as to be non-existent, which is the case where I live.  At least where you live, you may not be faced with other natural hazards such as volcanos, earthquakes and forest & bush fires - but maybe those would not give you a problem.

I realise it will be of little comfort to you, but you are much more ar risk from accidents in the home and on the road than you are from the forces of nature.