Brontophobia: phobia or fear of thunder

George Alvarez 25-10-2023
George Alvarez

All of us have probably been startled by thunder, mostly out of fear of an oncoming storm. Then our immediate instinct is to take cover for protection. But when this fear is intense and illogical, we may be facing brontophobia.

Brontophobia is a disorder that, in general, develops in childhood and, if not treated correctly, can become a pathology and last throughout adulthood. Thus, you will suffer from a category of phobia that triggers various psychological disorders.

Although rain and storms are natural phenomena, and even essential to life, those who suffer from brontophobia have an involuntary and disproportionate fear of thunder. As a result, it triggers disorders that need treatment Understand everything about this disease!

What is the meaning of brontophobia and the origin of the name fear of thunder?

There are several names that people associate with fear of thunder. Although with their own specifications, they are phobias related to events in nature: brontophobia, astrophobia, ceraunophobia and tonitrophobia.

However, when it comes to brontophobia, the person originally views thunder and storms in a negative way, through primitive thoughts that they may be being, somehow punished by nature It's like a demon act, even acting as if it were a demonic act.

What is brontophobia?

In summary, the brontophobia is the anxiety disorder In face of this fear of storms, with lightning and thunder, the person becomes emotionally uncontrollable in an excessive manner, with reactions that are totally different from the usual.

Thus, those with this disorder have a phobia of being struck by thunder, feeling extreme dread at any noise or sign of a thunderstorm.

If you feel this intense fear when you hear thunder, you are possibly suffering from a phobia, which can lead to anxiety disorders.

What are the symptoms of brontophobia?

Commonly, people love to take showers, and others even venture out into the storm to scientifically study the phenomena of nature. However, when these natural events cause disproportionate dread in the person, we are facing a psychological illness.

In this sense, these are symptoms and attitudes characteristic of those who suffer from brontophobia:

  • escape from places with signs of a possible storm;
  • obsession with weather forecasting;
  • fear paralyzing if there is any chance, even a slight one, of rain;
  • tremors;
  • sweats;
  • shortness of breath;
  • anxiety disorder;
  • elevation of the heart rate;
  • nausea and vomiting;
  • thought of death;
  • loss of consciousness.

As a result of this psychological disorder, the person's social life is directly affected. can fulfill its commitments everyday life, due to a paralyzing fear of any signs that thunder is coming, such as not being able to work.

What are the causes of fear of thunder?

Most of the time, this phobia develops during childhood. However, over the years, maturity brings the real understanding that it refers to normal events in nature. Thus, the phobia gradually disappears.

However, this fear can follow a person into adulthood and then turn into a phobia. In other words, it becomes a psychological disorder that must be treated with professionals specialized in the human mind.

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On the other hand brontophobia may have been triggered by traumatic events, such as floods, losing your home, or even that resulting from the death of loved ones.

Consequences of Thunder Phobia

As a result of this psychological disorder, the person has his social life directly affected because of the unconscious fear that prevents him from acting at any sign of thunderstorms.

Thus, those who suffer from thunder phobia are unable to fulfill their daily commitments because of the paralyzing fear of any signs that thunder is coming, such as not going to work.

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In this sense, we can imagine if the person lives in a place where storms and thunder are common and part of the inhabitants' routine. Thus, those who suffer from brontophobia will have a life of restrictions, living in constant isolation .

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What is the treatment for brontophobia?

If you are suffering from brontophobia or live with someone with symptoms, know that, especially in adulthood, you should seek treatment with professionals specialized in the mind, both on its psychological and psychiatric aspects.

Above all, the professional specialized in the human psyche, with specific techniques, will get the causes to reach the correct treatment. Thus, the psychoanalyst will understand the workings of the mind, mainly from the unconscious mind.

In other words, he will know about factors and behaviors that determined the current thunder phobia, even searching for childhood experiences, through the unconscious. Then, he will assertively discover the cause, and will be able to modify the behaviors that were maladjusted at the time.

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However, one can see that the constant, unreasonable and illogical fear of thunder is a serious phobia, which causes several psychological disorders In this sense, it must be properly treated, by medication and psychological treatment.

Thus, if it is diagnosed as a phobia, it will soon have to be classified as a mental disorder, such as anxiety disorder, panic disorder, stress disorder, and obsessive-compulsive disorder.

Also ask for help from family and friends

Also, ask for help from someone you trust and develop a plan so that you don't despair when the storm is coming. Attitudes like:

  • not to keep looking at the weather forecast;
  • When you feel afraid, talk to someone to distract yourself,
  • cut down on excessive safety items;
  • repeat a random phrase to calm yourself, something that gives you peace and makes you happy, for example: "I'm playing with my son in the park!

Are you experiencing this? How about sharing your experience with us? Leave your comment below, and if you have any questions, don't hesitate to ask, we will be glad to clarify all the points about brontophobia.

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George Alvarez

George Alvarez is a renowned psychoanalyst who has been practicing for over 20 years and is highly regarded in the field. He is a sought-after speaker and has conducted numerous workshops and training programs on psychoanalysis for professionals in the mental health industry. George is also an accomplished writer and has authored several books on psychoanalysis that have received critical acclaim. George Alvarez is dedicated to sharing his knowledge and expertise with others and has created a popular blog on Online Training Course in Psychoanalysis that is widely followed by mental health professionals and students around the world. His blog provides a comprehensive training course that covers all aspects of psychoanalysis, from theory to practical applications. George is passionate about helping others and is committed to making a positive difference in the lives of his clients and students.