How is astraphobia treated?

How is astraphobia treated?

Astraphobia treatment is often similar to treatment approaches for other phobias. Your healthcare provider might try:

• Exposure therapy: Exposure therapy helps you gradually become more comfortable around whatever causes fear. For example, under the direction of your healthcare provider, you might listen to recordings of thunder or look at pictures of thunderstorms. Eventually, you practice staying calm during a real-life storm. Exposure therapy is highly effective for most people who complete it.
• Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT): Sometimes called talk therapy, CBT can be done one-on-one or in a support group setting. The goal of CBT is to help you identify unhelpful thoughts and replace them with helpful ones.
• Dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT): This technique pairs talk therapy with stress reduction tools such as meditation. It may help you reduce anxiety so you can process your emotions better.
• Medication: Your doctor may prescribe anti-anxiety medications to help you manage symptoms and prevent panic attacks when a storm is in the forecast.
• Stress management techniques: You might learn coping strategies that help you lessen anxiety symptoms. For example, you might do aerobic exercise, such as jumping jacks, when you start feeling panicked. Or you might learn breathing techniques that help you calm down. After a storm, it may help to take a short walk outside to reassure yourself that everything is OK.