GAD

[dreeftwppd]

I have GAD and have had it all my life.. I had an extremely acute 2 year period and am getting much better etc.
I was given the option of SSRI's but preffered to try and live with it..

I have to drive to Nebraska and so one of my many phobias fears is Thunderstorms and Tornadoes etc. So am trying to get past this by educating myself and so I can face my fears. I would love any feedback help.

I know it's not peak season now but mentally I still feel like it's not a possibility but it's GOING to happen. I beleive this and thus starts the spiral down.

[dreeftwppd]

Hey everyone just wanted update that I did end up driving etc. No storms since I left in the morning, it would have been interesting.

[dreeftwppd]

BluCrystal - appreciate the feedback..
Yea it does feel like it will target me.. haha. or rather I will get caught in one. For exapmple on the highway the stroms always track across that specific highway :( and I will get caught in it.
It does help me to know that there will be options like you said.. shelter etc. So am thinking maybe will leave like at 5am since all them happen later in they day seemingly.

Hey Nursegirl - Thanks for the advice, very much appreciated. It's so weird this thing came out of nowhere. I have driven from one end of the state to the other now I am having issues driving six hours :( ugh.... The more prepped I am the better so that really hlps having a plan.

[nursegirl6572]

Hello and welcome!  

I'm probably the wrong person to reply, as I've always been petirfied of tornadoes (despite hardly EVER having them around here) all of my life.  Heck, in a bad t-storm, I have to fight the urge to hide in basement sucking my thumb!  LOL

You've received great advice.  Sometimes, if you come up with a plan, it will give you more peace of mind.  For instance, if the weather turns and starts getting severe, you could plan to pull over and stay in a hotel, or even just wait it out in a store, mall, etc.  The great thing about where you are travelling is that you won't have to wonder about the weather.  In the event there is severe weather approaching (tornado or otherwise), there will be alerts on the radio.  That takes away that aspect of the unknown you may have.

Hey, I think it is a legit fear.  I don't particularly care for driving in bad t-storms, even if I wasn't overly fearful of tornadoes, I would be worried if I was travelling in an area where they were more common.  Sometimes fear has a purpose.  It will make you extra vigilant in the event there was dangerous weather.  The people who take a passive attitude are the ones that find themselves in precarious situations.

You're going to have some level of anxiety I think...which is okay.  Just formulate a plan for yourself of what you would do in the event of a weather warning.  Then, try to stick with the plan.  If you have to pull off and take a break, even in a t-storm, that's okay too.  So what if it takes you a bit longer to get there?  Keep the radio on and be prepared by having your cell charged, have a little emergency kit in your car (which everyone should anyway) that would include water, flashlight, blanket, etc.  The more "prepared" you are, the better you will feel.

And, remember that the bulk of tornado season is over for the most part.  I wish you the very best of luck and safe travels!  You'll do just great!!  The ride home will be easier after you successfully make it to your destination without any problems!

[BluCrystal]

First of all, know that tornadoes do not 'target' specific people.  Second if you happen to be on the road, or anywhere, and feel like there is a threat, (low dark clouds, high wind, heavy rain, hail, etc), know that you can ALWAYS stop and find shelter SOMEWHERE.  Even if you have to bang on a stranger's door at 3 am.  Almost all people who live in a tornado zone know that there is also a possibility that someone will come beg for shelter, and offer it willingly.  So, don't be scared.  There are gas stations, restaurants, and stores everywhere also that can and will supply shelter in a storm.  If you are particularly nervous at night when visibility is low, then spend the night at a hotel, and ask for the bottom floor, where it is safest.  Best of luck! - Blu

[dreeftwppd]

Thanks Erin,

it just builds up in my mind... (OCD) then I feel like I can't face it. AM trying to educate myself.

[erin626]

Well there's always a possibility for tornadoes. But they aren't constant. maybe you could educate yourself in tornado safety so you know exactly what to do in the event of a severe storm. You may feel more calm if you're well prepared for any such weather emergency. But more than likely you won't even have to worry. My old roommate lives in kansas and has lived there for close to 3 years now and I haven't once heard her mention anything about tornadoes. I'm sure she's probably experienced at least one but none noteworthy enough to tell me about and kansas is notorious for tornadoes (wizard of oz anyone?).

Try to relax. Just remember your anxiety is causing you to experience the fear of severe weather and tornadoes and you probably won't even see anything all that bad.