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[taysmom1016]

I have a severe phobia of bad storms. Usually they occur during the summer and I can arrange for my son and I to go to my dad's where he has a basement and I feel safer. We live in a manufactured home, albeit a brand new one, 30 x 50, on our own property and it's built like a regular house and strapped down securely, but we hahhve no basement (I've been trying to secure funding for a storm shelter on our property but not having much luck). Our neighbors have told me we can come over there if the siren goes off but we have a dog who we'd have to leave here as she's not really friendly with strangers and their girls are afraid of her. Our dog is a member of our family and I'd hate to leave her but I have to put my son's and my safety first. I know I'm over reacting and the odds of a tornado actually hitting our town or our house are slim but I'm worried sick, mainly about the anxiety itself and what a long, scary night it's going to be. I've even considered packing a bag to go to my dad's (about 45 minutes away) and spending the night and coming back in the morning for my son's school. Extreme, I know, but I'd feel safer! I see a lot of anti-anxiety medication in my immediate future tonight! Any reassuring words of comfort and telling me we're not going to blow away would be welcomed!!!! Does anyone else deal with a fear of severe weather or tornadoes? How do you handle it?

Arrrgggh!

Edited by Trace, 03 May 2012 - 04:02 AM.
Topic move

[HRiddle]

Hey, hope you'll be okay! I don't think it's a bad idea for you to go to your dad's place, if you want to. After all it is only 45 minutes away and that's what family is for, right? Are you worrying about getting your son to school tomorrow? Well, I know how anxious some situations might be for people and others might think it's overreactions, but the trigger is different for different people so really you shouldn't feel bad about it. Personally I don't think you'll be blown away :) But you are right that the safety of you and your son is the most important thing. Your sanity comes next, I'd say. Whatever you decide, don't think too much about what other people might think of you, because everybody has their "strangeness" and it's perfectly okay for you to freak out! Will keep you in my thoughts and wish you all the best tonight.

[Kochore]

I agree with HRiddle. If you feel going to your dad's is best, then do it! I don't think a tornado's gonna hit you. I live in the Northeast area and we've gotten so many tornado warnings, yet nothing. But if this is something that you legitimately fear, then do whatever makes you feel comfortable. Don't worry if your idea sounds extreme, you do what you think is best for you and your family.

[taysmom1016]

Thanks for your replies! I have decided to "tough it out". Have a close eye on the weather channel and probably won't get much sleep tonight but yes, getting my son to school tomorrow is a concern as he has already missed 3 days for illness and it sounds like the weather could be crappy in the morning for the long drive back so we'll stay home tonight, maybe take an extra clonazepam at bedtime.....if the sirens go off, we'll be visiting our neighbors in our jammies! I know what you mean, Kochore, about so many warnings and nothing ever comes of them. I feel sorry for the people in tornado alley, I could never live there! Hopefully our internet or power won't go out, I definitely need my computer/TV for distraction, not to mention my central air to sleep!

[PurpleStorm]

Hi taysmom, storms freak me out too and I've got fingers crossed it wont be too bad. If you have to go next door couldn't you keep your dog on a leash or something, how horrible to have to leave her behind, don't know if I could do that . My thoughts will be with you, take care

[Ltb3105]

I live in tornado alley, TX, and we had a bad series of tornadoes hit the D/FW area early April. It was on national news.....there was even a video of semi's being lifted into the air. My hubby was out of town, kids were in school.....me and the dog and a bottle of alcohol went into the guest bathroom and rode it out. Luckily, just a little hail and torrential rains hit our area, but I, too, am deathly afraid of bad storms. I panic immediately and get instant diarrhea (I know, TMI!). If you don't drink, I suggest taking some anti-anxiety meds, if you have some and ride it out. You will be fine!

[taysmom1016]

Thanks for all the well wishes.

PurpleStorm, it would be hard to leave my dog. If she were a little more stranger friendly and their little girls weren't so afraid of her....let's just say I'm trying desperately to save to put a storm shelter on our property!

Laura, I can't imagine living in tornado alley! And I can relate to the nervous bowels so don't feel bad! I have a bottle of an alcoholic beverage stashed above the fridge that I considered hitting, but didn't in case we decided to drive to my dad's. Besides, not a good combo with the anti-anxiety meds (every time I'm tempted, I think of Whitney Houston). I bought the alcoholic beverage about 2 years ago and I think there's about an inch gone...I'm not much of a drinker anymore.

After all the hype, the night was quiet but I was awakened 5 minutes before my alarm went off to major thunder, lightening and extreme winds....luckily it blew through fast and was just a light rain by the time my son walked the 2 blocks to school so I didn't have too much time to freak (tried to act brave for his sake!). Unfortunately, they're predicting a repeat later this afternoon...I told my son if it looked like it was going to get bad, we'd go to a bar/restaurant in town for supper, one with a basement! Alcohol and a basement, 2 things to help me weather the storm (don't worry, only blocks from our house so no driving involved!) No wonder fall is my favorite season....

Edited by AquaViolet, 03 May 2012 - 03:39 PM.
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