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Amélie Boukhobza (Clinical psychologist)
As soon as the rain shows up, do you panic? Learn to understand this phobia, with Amélie Boukhobza, clinical psychologist.
In autumn, bad weather often returns. Rain, hail, thunderstorms… The form varies, but the weather conditions are rarely mild. The problem ? Some people are terrified of this unpredictable weather. And this phobia has a name: ombrophobia.
Ombrophobia, what exactly is it?
In the pathological sense, ombrophobia is a phobic fear of rain, hail and thunderstorms (from the Greek ombros, meaning “rain”, and phobos, “fear”).
Although this term is not commonly used in the field of psychology, ombrophobia would still affect a certain number of people. According to the American site All About Catsit would even be the most important fear of the French.
Concretely, “this fear can manifest itself during hail, a storm or severe bad weather“, explains the Canadian magazine Urbania. “And this, at the sight or sound of the rain.”
The ombrophobic person then tries by all means to avoid the rain, in particular by staying at home. However, this tactic is not strategic, believes psychologist Geneviève Beaulieu-Pelletier.
“Avoidance is a maintaining factor of anxiety which is linked to this natural element“, she explains in the Canadian media.
As for symptoms, the affected individual may see their heart rate accelerate, as is the case during an anxiety attack, but they may also suffer from hyperventilation, excessive sweating and nausea. Reactions that are not easy to manage.
“This irrational anxiety about rain, which may seem harmless at first, can become real hell for those who suffer from it, especially when autumn arrives.“, confirms Amélie Boukhobza, clinical psychologist. “Between the downpours, the gray days that drag on, every drop of water becomes a threat. It’s a phobia, much more common than we think, which can lead some people to avoid going out, to constantly scan the weather forecast, or even to feel real panic just at the idea. to see even a cloud”, she adds.
Contrary to popular belief, ombrophobia can be treated.
“There are solutions to learn to manage this fear and return to a more or less normal life. The tbehavioral and cognitive therapy (CBT) is always effective in the case of phobias. It allows you to confront irrational thoughts linked to rain, by gradually reintroducing exposure to anxiety-provoking situations. EMDR may also be an option to treat the trauma or event that may have triggered this fear. Obviously, relaxation or meditation can be useful in relieving tension when anxiety rears its head. concludes the expert.
If you suffer from ombrophobia, the best option is to consult a psychologist or psychiatrist. Only a professional will be able to assess your symptoms and history.
Slide: The most unusual phobias