You probably think you are the only one with a fear of rain, I also thought I was crazy. Until I researched and figured that my feelings were not invalid and that there was a name for this fear, it’s called ombrophobia.
According to a report by the Cleveland Clinic, ombrophobia is an intense fear of rain, from heavy rain to light drizzles. Someone who fears rain may be worried that the rain can be harmful to them in some way. They also worry about floods, acid rain, or even germs in the rain. The report states that ombrophobia is a type of anxiety disorder that can cause symptoms and emotions that affect daily life.
Individuals with ombrophobia may experience severe anxiety, panic attacks, or other distressing symptoms when exposed to rain or even the thought of rain
Being an ombrophobe in a place where people don’t even take your fear seriously can be challenging. People who fear rain go through extreme measures to avoid the water droplets falling from the sky.
Some choose to stay indoors for as long as there is rain outside. This means they are even willing to miss important activities such as school, work, or social gatherings that will cause them to go outside while it rains. Some regularly relocate to wherever the sunshine is.
According to DoveMed and Cleveland Clinic, this is how you can fetch your life and not let rain determine how you live it.
Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT)
This is an organized counseling that can help a person understand and control their thoughts and emotions. It’s a type of talk therapy that can help people unlearn bad beliefs and actions.
Exposure therapy
Exposure treatment, also known as desensitisation, helps individuals face their fears slowly. Increased exposure to rain can help a person learn to handle fear and negative reactions. For ombrophobia treatment, the therapist may begin with something simple, such as a picture of rain. Next, the therapist may urge the ombrophobe to envision standing in the rain. Eventually, the therapist hopes to have the client stand in the rain while managing their emotions and behaviors.
Hypnotherapy
This technique can put a person into a trance-like but focused state. A person under hypnosis is more open to ideas and change. A hypnotist may be able to convince a hypnotized individual that they are less fearful of the rain.
Medication
In a few instances, medication may be used to treat severe anxiety symptoms. Antidepressants or anti-anxiety medications can be used under the supervision of a psychiatrist or healthcare expert.
South African Weather Services reported that according to the Seasonal Climate Watch, most regions in South Africa will experience a winter that is drier than normal. The report said, “The multi-model rainfall forecast indicates mostly below-normal rainfall over most of the country during Apr-May-June (AMJ), May-Jun-Jul (MJJ) and Jun-Jul-Aug (JJA).”
This is good news for my fellow ombrophobes, we can breathe a little and have a chance to practice these tips.
Also see: How to keep your skin healthy this winter
