Friday, June 17, 2011

Astraphobia


What's that you say? It's the fear of lightning and thunder and yes, I have it. I've been afraid of lightning since I was 9 years old. I remember walking beside an old brick building with my mother. A bolt of lightning hit the chimney of the building and bricks scattered all around me. I don't remember being hit by the falling bricks but my mother said that I opened my mouth to scream and no sound came out. I was struck dumb. Since then I cringe when I see lightning. It's a reflex. I don't run and hide under the bed like my cat does but I absolutely experience fear. Fortunately it's not bad enough that I need to seek treatment. I guess having a phobia makes me human and that's a good thing.

What's yours?


More later...

8 comments:

  1. fear of flying!!!! hate it!

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  2. I hate the dentist. I shake as soon as I walk in the door. It's so strange. I've never even had a cavity!

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  3. wow, i can see how that childhood experience would still stay with you, johanna. pretty scary. i don't like thunder and lightening storms, they make me a little nervous, but i'm more scared of dogs! like you, a couple of unsettling childhood experiences + a few run-ins with dogs as an adult are why i feel this way.

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  4. Wow - I can't imagine being that close to lightening hitting! Scary scary stuff.

    For me, I think I might have an irrational fear of driving over huge bridges. I panic a bit and my mind starts to race.

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  5. Good question. I hate talking to strangers--deathly afraid of introducing myself! (Must. Get. Over. It!)

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  6. Wow--just found your blog and what a story! Wishing you continued health!

    I absolutely love thunderstorms!

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  7. I have a serious fear of drowning and dying in a plane crash. It's awful. Isn't it so weird how we develop these fears?

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  8. My mom has a terrible phobia of thunder and lightening storms. She hides in a closet each and every time!

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