Severe Weather Anxiety – Helping Your Child Through the Storm
The Nystrom & Associates provider consulted for this article on severe weather anxiety was Dr. Karin Ryan, PsyD, LP.
Growing up in the Midwest, many kids are taught how to handle severe weather from a young age. In elementary schools they practice tornado drills, sporting events are cancelled or postponed due to severe weather, and in driver’s education, they’re taught how to drive safely in differing weather conditions.
However, these efforts focus mainly on teaching you how to physically handle the weather. Although this is important information for kids to know, it is also important we don’t villainize weather but normalize it instead.
Related: Strategies to Manage Anxiety: Therapist-Approved Tips,
Normalizing Severe Weather
Depending on the age of your child, it might be beneficial to teach them the science behind the weather – even in the simplest terms. There are tons of resources that can help you and your child better understand how weather "works." Even watching the weather report together might give them helpful insight; just remember to be mindful. Too much information may lead to them feeling overwhelmed and further contribute to their severe weather anxiety.
It can also be helpful to let your child know that every area has a weather team who make sure we know what to do in case of an emergency.
Remind them that although some weather is scarier than others, there is still a proper way to handle each situation. Dr. Ryan said it best: “Just like we need sunscreen for sun, and hats and mittens for cold, we need to be inside when lightening is outside and when it is really windy, we want to be inside.”
Evaluating Their Feelings of Anxiety
If you notice your child becoming anxious, the first step is to keep your own emotions in check. Dr. Ryan wants to remind you that, “Our kids learn how to respond to things through us - we create the framework - so check in with yourself on your anxiety and response.” If you notice that you also experience weather-related anxiety, use skills to help slow and calm your body. Such as slow, deep breathing, and reminding yourself to think logically about the situation and assess the facts first.
Even if you have never experienced severe weather anxiety, try to validate your child's feelings and reassure them you will keep them safe. Although you don’t want them to feel scared, do not try to convince them they aren’t. Let them know it’s okay to be scared, and despite what they are feeling in the moment, you must let the weather run its course.
Related: 3 Emotional Regulation Mindsets to Adopt in 2022 - Nystrom & Associates
Planning For Severe Weather Anxiety
Once you have evaluated your emotions and theirs, you can begin to give them more structure and a concrete plan. Let them know where to go, what to take, and what to do in differing situations. Kids thrive on structure, and it can ease their anxiety to know there is a set plan for every situation.
If you happen to be home together, you can ease their emotions by gathering some of their favorite things. Create an environment where they can relax with movies, snacks, stuffed animals, blankets, or crafts.
Dr. Ryan has some more tips for when they are away from home:
- Ask them what the plan is at school and affirm they know it
- Remind them that there are always teachers or adults who will know what to do and help them stay safe
- Express that you trust the adults to help take care of them, and they can trust them too
- For older kids who are on their own, it can be helpful to run down reminders of what to do so that when severe weather comes, they feel prepared
Related: How Anxiety & Panic Attacks Can Feel in the Body - Nystrom & Associates
A Word from Nystrom & Associates
Anxiety manifests in various shapes and forms, and weather anxiety is just one of the many. If you find yourself or your child struggling to manage symptoms, therapy is a safe place to start. With a licensed therapist, you can learn new coping mechanisms on how to manage anxiety when it feels out of control. Call us at 1-844-NYSTROM or request an appointment online.
