TULSA — Weather can be scary, especially for people who deal with anxiety.
Beth Svetlic, Clinical Director of Services for Mental Health Association Oklahoma, says weather causes a heightened sense of anxiety in many people around the world. She said, "We're always worried about the things we can't control. Weather is definitely something that we have no control over."
Svetlic advises people who deal with anxiety to not be over-informed with the amount of information being released, adding, "Making sure that you limit your information into what only applies to you in that very moment, being informed but not obsessing over Facebook post or every weather forecast that comes on and limiting that."
Once you are prepared and have a plan of action for bad weather, Svetlic says it is best to distract yourself by finding things that keep your mind busy in your safe place. This could include reading, drawing, etc. That should decrease your anxiety.
She also advises you to be aware that your feelings and anxiety can be contagious to those around you, urging that you maintain a sense of calmness during severe weather.
More information is available at the Mental Health Association Oklahoma website.
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