Many people experience anxiety when new storms are forecast, especially after living through severe weather events. A psychiatrist at Baylor College of Medicine has provided guidance on how to recognize and manage distress related to approaching storms.
According to Dr. Asim Shah, professor and executive vice chair in the Menninger Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at Baylor, symptoms of distress before a storm can include irritability, changes in sleep and appetite, trouble concentrating, social withdrawal, headaches, fatigue, gastrointestinal issues, heart palpitations, mood changes, and increased substance use.
“Children are different than adults because they don’t always display the same symptoms of distress,” said Shah. He explained that children may not communicate their feelings as openly as adults but could show signs such as fearfulness, irritability, withdrawal from activities or social interaction, and reduced communication. Parents are encouraged to watch for these behaviors in children who have experienced previous weather-related trauma.
“People exhibit fear and panic, they avoid things and they have obsessive thoughts. But there are things one can do to cope before and after the storm,” Shah said.
Shah recommends that those feeling anxious take practical steps for safety both before and after a storm. He also advises managing news consumption carefully; watching continuous news coverage on TV or smartphones tends to increase anxiety more than reading updates from reputable sources. Misinformation spread on social media can further heighten stress levels.
“When you watch the news, you hear them repeat the same information, and anxiety builds up more. It becomes difficult for people to focus and control their emotions,” he said. “It’s better to just read it without emotion, especially for those who are already anxious.”
Shah suggests limiting time spent watching televised news about storms—such as checking only once an hour or during scheduled newscasts—and prioritizing written updates instead.
“Do not be afraid to seek help. If anxiety causes functional impairment, seek professional help,” Shah said.
