Thunderstorm anxiety

[Rileysmith]

Hello to all. I have been having problems for many years with thunderstorm anxiety. Whenever I see lightning, or hear or even think I hear lightning I freak out and I am sick and tired of it. I was wondering what medication would be best for my anxiety. Since thunderstorms only last a couple hours I am looking for a short acting medication.

[RubyWitch]

Thunderstorms and balloons...........both things a young child might fear. A vote for therapy over meds.
A sudden, violent thunderstorm may be reason enough to take a very mild anti-anxiety med, and I don't think this is bad advice, but perhaps if you spent some time learning about thunderstorms, you may be able to cope on your own without therapy or meds. It IS possible to work out some phobias on our own, as mammo herself attested to, without running to the psychiatrist or the medicince cabinet.
The balloon thing I think is a bit tricky. Don't know about anybody else, but it's been MY experience that I encounter balloons quite frequently and often when least expected. Do you plan to take the medication every time you leave your house, which is obviously a "balloon free zone?" I know that many places I must go on a daily basis have balloons hanging about. The grocery store, the pharmacy, the pizza parlor..........even my dentist had a huge helium tooth floating around his office. Had a big smiley face with the words "BRUSH ME TWICE A DAY!"  
A vote for no meds. Perhaps a little self-taught "aversion therapy?" Buy some small balloons, fill them about half full of air and pop them. Do that until the sound doesn't bother you. Increase the amount of air, which, naturally, will increase the loudness of the pop, but you'll be the one controlling it..........keep moving up bigger and bigger until it doesn't bother you. But perhaps that is one of those things you're not suppose to attempt at home..................
It IS much easier to pop a pill than a balloon, I just want you to think very carefully about getting into benzos.
It is far easier to climb UP the drug ladder than it is to come DOWN. Think carefully, that's all I'm saying.
Peace
Greenlydia      

[Rileysmith]

The reason I am leaning to a medicinal solution is that my anxiety also spreads into other area. Balloons cause a a little anxiety, because everytime I see one I think it is gonna pop. I believe I have an all around fear of loud noises, as well as storms. I have no clue why I am afraid, which frustrates me. Also, it can be very embarassing when I hear thunder in public and my hands reflexively jump to cover my ears. A medication that could help calm me, even a little, in my anxiety related situations would be a literal godsend.

[mammo]

Before jumping on medication, maybe try some therapy to teach you how to cope with this fear and learn some relaxation techniques.  I had this fear until I had my first child, and then I had to face this, and not be scared to keep him from being scared. For awhile I was terrified, but he never knew it, next thing I knew, no fear. So long as you're indoors your fine, and even outdoors chances of being hit by lightning are so small.

[MrGreen]

Like you say thunderstorms don't happen every day of the week and only last a short period of time. Go to your doctor. Have a chat. The medication you will probably be put on would be a fast acting benzo. But you would only need it here and there. Like maybe once every few weeks. As long as you stick to taking it only when you the storms are there you should have no problems with a light dose of one of the faster acting benzos. I am not mentioning any medication names. I think that is up to your doctor. Don't want you ordering them online either. That can lead to bigger problems. So a doctor's visit is needed. I am sure he will put you on the tablets most of us would imagine he would put you on. Good look with the doctor visit and let us know what he put you on. Then we can comment further.