Fear of Tornadoes & Hurricanes

A tornado is one of the most visually impressive naturally occurring phenomenons there is. It is powerful, but it is also potentially damaging. The fear of tornadoes is known as Lilapsophobia. This phobia is also synonymous with the fear of hurricanes.    Whether you lived in Greensburg, Kansas and lived though the devastation of a tornado that destroyed over 90% of your town or you live in New Orleans, Louisiana and have worked through the rebuilding process following Hurricane Katrina there will likely be some anxiety associated with virtually all storm reports. The phobia associated with these natural occurrences becomes a phobia when a natural fear takes on a life of its own.

What Causes Lilapsophobia

Many will associate the movie the Wizard of Oz with a certain amount of fear of tornadoes, but in most cases the fear seed was planted long before the first viewing of the movie.

It could be that a parent was overly anxious about any weather threat. By observation a child equates a darkened sky with impending doom.

It is also possible that past traumatic stress is involved in some cases. This happens when an individual (young or old) lives through a tornado or hurricane and sees and hears first hand the devastation of these wind inspired events.

I think it is safe to say that in most cases the fear stems from an observed trait in others.

Symptoms of Lilapsophobia

The fear of tornadoes or hurricanes may hinge on a fear of death. The destructive nature of the wind event has been known to result in death for some. This fear generally expresses itself first as an acute sense of panic and the feeling that there will be no escape this time.

Other symptoms include…

• A profound sense of dread
• The desire to escape and the fear of escaping
• Nausea
• Trembling
• Irregular or elevated heartbeat
• Air hunger
• A sense of being trapped against your will

From the moment an individual heard the tornado or hurricane warning they may feel as though they must do something, but have no idea what to do or how to do it because they are convinced death may be waiting if they leave their home.  These individuals may react irrationally, but there fear is as real as any known to mankind.

How to overcome the Fear of Tornadoes & Hurricanes

In the case of children there may be benefit in providing educational books that deal with tornadoes and hurricanes. Children are well equipped to manage their fears when they understand the object of their fear. The fear of the unknown remains fear until the unknown is replaced with knowledge.

For adults therapy is often required. In some cases a time of learning about the object of their fear can help, but in most cases the fear has been held for so long that the individual finds it difficult to let go. Strangely it is almost like an old friend – one they loathe, but don’t think they can leave behind.

Once help has been secured it will make sense to find a support group that can help you continue the task of mastering the fear and reclaiming your life.

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