Severe Weather Anxiety
JOPLIN, MO.--- Tornado watches issued today was not taken lightly by Joplin tornado survivor Noel Holland.
"After that, I just got really concerned with storms. When it would rain, or when it would thunder or lightening, I would get really upset," states Noel Holland, Joplin Tornado Survivor.
A fear that has confined her to her house on days like this.
"I was supposed to travel today to Wichita. I had to postpone my work travels until tonight. You get panicked and nervous. I am breaking out in a sweat now and I've been really worried," says Noel.
Psychologists say Noel is part of a growing number of people in the area living with extreme weather related fears.
"We've noticed an increase in people calling today. As we get closer to tornado weather and unusual weather, which of course we're having today, people do get a little bit more anxious and you can kind of feel the anxiety in the city today," states Vicky Mieseler, MS Ozark Center, VP of Clinical Services.
A feeling, Mieseler says, can be reduced by taking a few simple steps.
"Drink lots of water, if you can exercise or just take a walk. Another thing you can do is socialize, spend time with family, humor is a really great tool," says Mieseler.
Some residents say preparation helps reduce their anxiety as well. Noel says this routine has become the new normal for people like her.
"We relive the tornado. We dream about the tornado. As soon as the weather starts getting dark and it starts raining and thundering and lightening, we see the flashbacks," says Noel.
If you or someone you know is severely afraid of severe weather, you can call the Freeman Ozark Center Crisis hotline for support at 347-7720.
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