Ombrophobia or Pluviophobia is the fear of rain- a fairly common anxiety disorder seen in kids and adults alike. The term Ombrophobia originates from Greek ‘Ombros’ meaning “storm of rain” and phobos meaning “fear or aversion”. The term Ombrophobia has even been used to describe certain species of plants called Ombrophobes and ombrophiles which have their root systems developed in a way that enables them to take up water directly from the atmospheric precipitation.
Typically, younger children are known to suffer more from Ombrophobia than adults. Some might fear very heavy rain that accompanies storm-like conditions (heavy winds, thunder and lightning), still others might be afraid of even a little light rain or drizzle.
Thus; the fear of rain might be accompanied by several different phobias like the fear of lightning and thunder (Astraphobia), fear of fog (Homichlophobia) or the fear of flooding (Antlophobia) and fear of drowning (Aquaphobia).
Causes of Ombrophobia
Rain is essential for growth of crops, replenishing our fresh water sources and in general, sustaining life on earth. In moderate quantities, rain is good and sometimes even evokes feelings of romance. Many love songs have been inspired by this natural element.
However, with the arrival of rain, storm-like conditions also occur. It typically gets dark as thundering clouds gather overhead, blocking the sunlight. Rain is often accompanied by lightning, thunder and flooding. Heavy rains are known to cause harm to life and property through landslides, building collapses, major power failures etc. All these negative experiences can cause one to fear rain, particularly after having directly experienced them firsthand. In the Amazon region, it rains nearly 80 inches on an average. This leads to thick forest growth that is home to reptiles and other dangerous predators. Many people living in such areas could be afraid of rain owing to these factors.
The expression, “it is raining cats and dogs” has often been used to describe very heavy rains. In reality, many cases of actual frogs and toads, (even fish) raining down on people have occurred in some areas. Early nineteenth century has seen “Frog and toad” storms in areas like Sheffield, England and Minneapolis, Minnesota. Such “amphibian rains” occur when weather conditions and heavy winds literally lift the frogs up to dump them in other areas. Movies, TV shows showing this scientific phenomenon can aggravate the fear in anxious minded people.
Rains often lead to viral diseases or the spread of bacteria. Nosophobic individuals (people who fear diseases or germs) could be afraid of rains because of this reason.
Extreme cases of acid rain have led to severe burns, causing the victims to have intense and lifelong fear of rain.
Thus, there are different causes of Ombrophobia and they vary from individual to individual.
Symptoms of Ombrophobia / Pluviophobia
Like in any other phobia, Ombrophobia also produces a variety of symptoms that may vary from person to person. Children suffering from this phobia typically show following symptoms:
- Screaming, crying continually
- Shaking uncontrollably and begging to be taken home
- Asking questions like “will we get flooded out”?
- Looking at the sky constantly to monitor rains
- Refusing to go outdoors when it rains
Adults with this phobia might
- Have an elevated heartbeat
- Display heightened anxiety or have a full blown panic attack
- Continually monitor the weather forecasts to see if rain is predicted
- Tremble, shake, or feel like running away or hiding etc. Some other symptoms of fear of rain phobia include thoughts about death, being incoherent, or being unable to express oneself, feeling numb etc.
Naturally, these symptoms can affect the day-to-day lives of the sufferers especially in places where it rains frequently. The phobics also tend to become socially withdrawn or depressed.
Fortunately, there are ways of overcoming this phobia.
Treating and overcoming the fear of rain
Children with this phobia generally tend to outgrow it once they are more mature. However, parents should encourage them to talk about their fears as this can help one get over the anxiety. Talking to the school nurse or teacher can also help parents cope with this problem, especially when the child is showing extreme anxiety or having a crying fit each time it rains or floods.
Pluviophobes or adults with rain phobia could undergo exposure therapy that involves exposing oneself to mild rain in order to relearn ways of overcoming their anxiety response. Gradually, through controlled deep breathing, one can overcome the Ombrophobia once and for all. Other therapies like counseling, Hypnotherapy and CBT/cognitive behavior therapies can also help one overcome the fear of rain.
kearne says
Hi, my name is Kearne, and I’m 13. I’ve had my fair share of trauma, but this phobia isn’t from trauma, as it’s more recent. I constantly check the weather when it’s raining. I think this rain phobia stems from my fear of tornados. I live in Tornado Alley, so I’m usually scared a tornado is going to form. I always look outside and run to my bathroom when the rain gets harder. Is there a way for me to overcome this?
Hayley West says
Hello, I’m a 38-year-old woman from England. My fear of the rain has come from a fear of leaks, I think. When I was 6, our washing machine leaked and I was terrified. I still loved the rain at that point and would play out in it. At 16, our water tank overflowed in the attic, and the bedroom ceiling came through. I was alone at the house at the time and had a panic attack, yet I still loved the rain. We moved to a new home a year ago, and I was so excited about our fresh start after several years of difficulties and heartbreak. Yet on the day after moving in, the conservatory roof leaked. This completely broke me for some reason. I was constantly checking the weather forecast and lost all love and trust for this house. We got a new roof, but I still check the weather and look at the ceilings. Even out in shops, I’ve had panic attacks, hearing the rain on the roof. I miss loving the rain. I asked my son what he loves about it, and he said it could be peaceful. I love that he feels that way.
I do feel maybe exposure and knowledge help. I learned about plumbing a little and now feel fine about washing machines and tanks, but the roof and gutters still scare me.
It’s raining heavily now, hence me finding you all here, and I’m sorry everyone feels this way but comforted that I’m not alone.
Shey says
Since I was 6 years old, I have had ombrophobia. My mom never believed that I was anxious about rain. I always closed the window immediately if the clouds were turning gray. They all laughed at my condition, and they thought I was making up stories. As I grew up, it became worse. I feel stressed every day because of this phobia. Now, I’m 20 years old, and I’m still suffering from this anxiety disorder.
Atim Vivian says
Hello, I’m so relieved to know that I’m not alone. I used to love rain and get good sleep every time it rained, but ever since I quit alcohol eight months sober now and recovered from anemia, I have had anxiety issues that worsen when I see dark clouds and the sound of rain or even mere seeing the windy rain. I have to calm myself, pray, or think positively about rain, but it’s not easy. My heart races, and I lose focus. I’m unsettled. What I hate the most is the palpitations. To everyone going through this – I feel your pain, and I know we shall be fine. Believe in God’s Promises. Vivian A.
Sheedah says
I am passing through the very same thing, especially when the clouds are dark and I am alone.
Ckar says
Same feeling here. I am alive if the sun is out for the day. That’s me, and my body is celebrating, but if it’s raining the day till night, I am so weak. I always monitor the weather, and I always look up in the sky to see if it’s gonna rain. I’m so tired of it, but I always pray.
Galaxy says
Hi, I’m Melqui. I live in the Philippines. Growing up, I loved watching the rain after an afternoon nap. I also enjoyed getting soaked when it was raining on my way home during grade school. However, I recently noticed that I get scared hearing the rain hit the roofs. I try to escape from the loud noise by going downstairs, away from the roof, and it kind of helps. I don’t know if I have developed a phobia with rain. If so, I have no idea what could’ve caused it. I am now in college and have my own apartment. Reading through the comments gave me a few theories, but I’m not yet sure. I just hope I’ll be over with this.
Atim Vivian says
We share the same experience, dear, and I pray we get over this soon. It’s really terrible.
Ellie says
Hi! I’m 18, and I’m also scared of the raindrops sound from my roof. That’s why I usually go to my parent’s room when I can’t sleep.
Ida Ydz says
Hi. I’m glad I’m not the only one afraid of rain. I live in a city with a tropical rainforest climate (Malaysia), Monsun/flood season between November and January. I have developed this phobia since age 30+ years old. I always check the weather forecast every day and hour. I get anxiety, stomach cramps, and vomit when I’m stressed. I once experienced a flood and was so terrified. Now I am trying to find a house far from the flood area. People laugh at me when they know I’m afraid of rain.
Taylor says
Hi, my name is Taylor, and I am 11 years old. I live in Shelby, North Carolina, and I can not live with rain. Ever since we’ve had a tornado warning twice, I can not relax, live with, or even say the words “rain,” “weather,” “Hurricane,” or “Tornado.” I can’t even watch the weather anymore. I also have autism, so whenever I hear, see, or feel the rain, I have a panic attack, my stomach hurts, my chest feels tight, I cry so much, I can’t breathe, and I want to hide in a closet. I can’t even try to be calm with it, because the last time I could even say the word “Rain,” after that, a few minutes ago, a hurricane happened. It’s almost like someone is trying to control me and keep me from getting used to stuff. Please help me and answer quickly. I’m desperate.
Val says
Taylor, I can totally relate, but my caregiver mocks me and has enlisted others to as well. It’s extremely difficult being shunned for something I seem not to be able to get under control despite all efforts. Plus, people are generally cruel nowadays. Listening to rain indoors is fine, and I feel safe even in bad storms but only indoors.
Chepi says
It sounds bad for you, but in the middle of Europe, there is less. You know, only a small amount of it might help if you move there, but it might cost a lot.
Larissa says
I’m 25 years old, Brazilian, and so relieved that I’m not the only one. I hate storms, and if I see a dark cloud, my heart speeds up. When I’m at home, things are worst. It’s so strange we don’t feel safe at home. I’m ashamed of myself when the rain starts. I start my psychological treatment today, and I hope to lose this fear. My dream is to watch the rain through my window and just enjoy the moment.
Alice says
I’m 41, and I’m afraid of heavy rain, especially when I’m at home. I think the fear is really about my house – I imagine the gutters overflowing and damaging the house. Heavy rain always wakes me up, and I end up standing by the window just staring at it and obsessing about the gutters. During the pandemic, I’ve been under a lot more stress, and home has been a place of safety but also of self-imposed exile. I think my anxiety has settled on risks to my home as the place I most need to feel safe, and rain seems to be the thing that most triggers that anxiety and fear. I’ve always found the rain phobia humiliating, so it really helps to know I’m not alone. I’m so sorry you’re all dealing with this phobia, and I send you all my thoughts and best wishes.
Peter says
My name is Peter, and I am 10 years old. At the end of June 2021, there was a huge and very heavy thunderstorm, and I was at an 8 hour outside camp. Once the storm started, we ran into the camps barn and hid under the stairs for 2 hours. Then the roof started leaking, and once my mom came to pick me up, the barn had a centimeter of water flooding it. I ran out of the barn with a counselor and got into my mom’s truck. It took us 2-3 hours to get home, and the camp got closed for three days to repair. And the day we came back was my last day at camp. I am never going back to that camp again because of that storm. Even if it drizzles, I close my bedroom blinds, turn on my fan, and hopefully won’t hear the rain. If there are thunderstorms and I am at my house, I rush to my basement and hide under a blanket. I live in New York, and the rain has been horrible this summer. I check the weather every day to prepare for rain. My parents told me that I should grow up and not be scared of rain, but some of these people on this website are older than me, like 17 or older. Rain is haunting me and whatever I try doesn’t work, so please help me by answering. Rain is ruining me. Signed Peter.
John says
Peter, you are a very brave boy. Just because you have a phobia, it doesn’t mean that you are a coward. Always pray. Remember that rain is so essential to life. It is the reason why plants continue to live. Rain couldn’t hurt you. Be strong always. Take a deep breath when you are starting to panic. You can overcome your fear. You are a good and brave boy.
Amy says
I went through the same kind of thing when I went camping in summer 2020. I find a way to cope is by wearing ear defenders or noise-canceling headphones. Being in a room where you can’t see the rain and also distracting yourself can also help.
Pee Tee says
Hi Peter,
I’m 55 and afraid of rain too, because of leaks and flooding. I really hate it! I love water in a swimming pool and the sea. I have absolutely no fear of getting into those and enjoying myself. But I’ve had roof leaks and leaks around the windows in my house, and my nightmares are of major leaks or flooding in my house. So don’t be ashamed of this at all! I’m checking the weather app as I write (and yes, I will get someone in to seal them leaks!).
Val says
Sorry, Peter. I will keep you in my thoughts. It was pouring down heavily on a car trip from Ohio back to Maryland when I was young, and my mom was driving. A tire on our family station wagon blew out, so she navigated us safely to the side of the road. I’m not sure why she wanted to retrieve a wheel cover in the middle of the busy highway. Watching in fear, she almost got hit by a tractor-trailer and got back to the vehicle safely by divine intervention. All of us kids were scared, and this phobia came on after driving down a long stretch of I-81 in Virginia, where my pickup truck I was driving started to hydroplane off a ramp due to blinding heavy rain downpours. I almost flipped the truck but remembered driving instructions to allow the vehicle to correct itself. I ended up sliding off the road but thankfully did not overturn. No one who saw me stopped as I was trapped inside and couldn’t reach my seatbelt either. The experience shook me up. I can’t be in any vehicle when the weather is inclement, even as a passenger. The fear and anxiety are paralyzing. I’m in my 50s now, yet no one cares to understand. Many make fun of me, so I tolerate being ridiculed.
Dawn says
Common sense tells you that rain can be good or bad. Maybe if you start writing down the times it rained and how it may have helped the environment, it will eventually help. It may sound silly, but being afraid is smart at times. Good and bad will happen here. We need to document both events and start to accept that usually, events are for the better. Look up how. Writing them down is therapeutic and starts to rewrite reality. It may reset your thinking.
Peter says
I know it’s been years, but thank you, guys. I have no clue if you see this, but I’m 12 now. I’ve changed a lot, and now I’m not afraid anymore!
Kaye Cee Dee says
My baby is only 2 years old. Every time the rain pours on our roof she is always in shock and she always wants to be carried. What should I do?
Nah says
Hi, I’m 17 years old and I can’t stand the noise of storms and thunder. I don’t mind summer rain, I actually enjoy standing under it, but if I hear one thunder my mood and productivity drops. I can’t not listen to loud music to distract me from the noise. But even doing that I still can’t get myself to do anything. I don’t really have any bad experience with rains but even as a child I’d get worried if the sky looked remotely cloudier than usual.
Dap says
I face the same thing each day.
Wackadoodle321 says
We had a major storm. My wife and I, young and newly wed, were staying in our rented apartment. We were cuddling and I was enjoying the sound of the rain, which I always did. I loved it while growing up and was happy when we moved into our iron roof where it would sound louder during storms. My wife was slightly frightened so she held me a bit more tightly this night. The rain was wild. It was loud and heavy. Gushes of wind threw waves of water over the house, all of this while I listened as it slowly put me to sleep. I suddenly heard this huge ratchet, then a loud bang. This immediately got me to my feet in panic and I knew something happened but wasn’t sure what. I looked outside and it was completely dark. In seconds I realized our roof had come off the house and laid next to it covering all light. The iron roof also blocked the door, a small struggle to get out. The house only had one exit door. The ceiling did not collapse immediately on us. As we left we had to watch for live cables in the puddles of water outside. We managed to escape during the storm and get shelter from the tenants. Rainy days were never the same after that. I do enjoy the rain, but not at home. I check the weather daily since. I get sweaty, panicking, and anxious when clouds form at night. It replays over occasionally, worse when it rains. I have a backup in case it ever occurs again. Easy escape route, electronics are waterproofed, clothing always beside the bed. I’m ready. I’m scared and I hate the rain when it comes at night. Thank you for listening. Thank you for letting me tell you about my experience and fear.
Lerato Peete says
I’m Lerato from Lesotho in Africa. I have been afraid of rain since I was six years old. Though I have never had any bad experience of heavy rains and storms, I get so afraid when clouds gather, especially when they get dark when it rains. I close all the house curtains then hide under my blanket. If I’m home alone, I feel like running away.
CeAirra Daniels says
Hi my name is CeAirra and I am 14 years old. I’ve been afraid of rain since second grade. When I was in second it was flood and me and my family barely made it out, so ever since then I have been scared. My heart races, my skin itches. I feel like crying, but I can never tell anyone because if I do I get made fun of. I never thought I’d find other people that’s afraid of rain too. I thought I was alone. I tried and tried to not be afraid but it doesn’t work. Even my own family laughs and criticize me so I have no one to talk to. This is my first time sharing this and I feel weight lifted off my shoulders. Thanks for letting me share.
dhruvi trivedi says
I have the same feeling as you about the rain. Every time this rain makes me cry without any reason. I feel like I lost something or someone. That’s why I just hate rain.
Chollene says
Hi, I’m 23 years old and I hate the sound of the rain falling on a roof, and also thunders. I feel like I’m not safe every time I hear it. I would cover my ears or wear earphones to listen to a song till I fall asleep. I even sometimes panic if my remedies don’t work. Ever since I was a child I had a fear with storm like rains because every time a rainstorm came, I would assume that the electricity went out and my former crazy nanny would do something like dripping melted candle on my hands. I think my fear of the sound of rain and thunder is connected to my childhood trauma.
Grace says
When I was just a kid, most of the children in our neighborhood used to go out and play when it was raining, and I was one of them. So basically, I used to love the rainy season. But as I got older (I’m 18 years old now, BTW), I became unusually afraid of the rain and I started to hate the sound of rain falling on the roof, that’s why I just put my earphones on and then listen to the music playing loudly in my ears, just for me to not hear the sound of the rain. Whenever it’s raining, I usually panic, and I don’t know why. There are times when I become irritable when it’s raining. But I just feel like this whenever I’m alone on rainy days or nights. If I have company or are with my friends, since we usually talk to each other, my fear subsides. I just don’t understand why I started feeling like this because as far as I remember, I don’t have bad or sad experiences in my life that were somehow related to rain, like for example natural calamities.
Veronica says
I’m dealing with the same thing! It’s terrible. I’m 17 and going through this almost every day due to where I live. If it begins to rain, or a possibility of rain that day (even tiny drizzle, or light rain), or even if the clouds look a bit grey, I stop what I’m doing, shut my blinds and plug my earphones in. I completely block it out but even so I still feel panicked as if something dreadful will happen. It’s strange because there usually is no actual danger, but our minds still thinks there is. I don’t know about you, but this fear is usually most present when I’m in my own home. So when I’m at a friends house far away from home, it’s a lot easier to handle. I’m relieved that there are more people like me here, and it somewhat brings me comfort knowing that we aren’t alone in this struggle. Thanks for sharing your experience. Also a tip I’ve learnt that helps a little: Don’t check the weather report too often. It makes you feel so much worse (me personally at least).
Charlotte says
Hi! I’m replying on behalf of my younger brother. He seems to have all of the symptoms in the adult category and the side effects are so real for him, including stomach pains, panicking, and feeling sick. He’s constantly checking the weather and his anxiety gets worse on rainy days. I try to understand the best I can and do whatever I can for him but it’s difficult without experiencing it myself. Have you got an advice on nighttime’s with this fear as he isn’t getting any sleep at the moment, and I feel like this is making the anxiety even worse. Thanks, Charlotte.
Joy says
I feel relieved to know that there’s someone else feeling the same way I do. I have no idea why but my anxiety heightens so bad whenever I see dark clouds approaching especially when I’m home.
I constantly look for escape routes and if it’s predicted to rain at night I will try my best to convince my parents to let me sleep at my friend’s house or I would go to sleep where rain could be heard less. I used to be able to sleep through the rain but now even the slightest sound of it will wake me up and make me panic.
I have no idea why I feel so unsafe at home and it’s annoying because it has affected my life and relationship with my parents (since they don’t understand why I’m SO scared of it) because I’d avoid social events that have no escape routes and my mom would be pissed if I don’t tag along! But what can I do, I genuinely don’t want to have a panic attack in front of everyone.
I do feel safer when I’m somewhere closed and have lots of space (like a mall for example) or when I’m with my friends, but I can’t just escape from it my whole life.
Veronica says
Yes! It’s exactly this feeling. It’s like being in a constant state of anxiety whenever rain is forecast. I’m glad you can feel comforted in knowing we aren’t alone. Though I’ve been thinking of ways to cope with this and thought of maybe creating a positive relationship with rain. I think by associating it with good things, we can change our view of it (maybe). By doing something with friends on a rainy day, go out and have fun in it. I think it’s worth a try. I’m still terrified of it and of course this wont work straight away but I’m trying this, just letting you and anyone else know in case they want to try also. And I hope you’re doing ok.
Genny says
Hello, I am 28 and ever since I was a baby I have been afraid of rain. My mother says that if she took me outside and rain touched me I would start screaming like I was possessed. When I was young I was always worried about floods and I would not go outside if it was raining. I still worry about flooding so that when I bought a house I turned a few down because of the slope of the yard wouldn’t prevent flooding. As an adult now as long as I’m inside I am not afraid of storms. I actually enjoy listening to the sound of a thunderstorm but even still as an adult if I go outside in the rain I cant let it touch me. If I’m under an umbrella or a porch or something I’m fine but if the rain touches me I have a panic attack. I don’t know if this is quite the same thing as a fear of rain but I am not afraid of water as I love to swim and be in and around water. But any sort of water that falls through the air and touches me gives me panic attacks. When I was a child I would not play with squirt guns or run in the sprinklers and I simply did not take showers. I always had baths. The first time I went to summer camp I had a screaming fit when the camp counselor made me take a shower. As I grew up I learned a way of taking a shower without getting my face wet and as long as the shower water doesn’t touch my face then I am okay. It was even so bad that when I was a kid and my mother would take me to the hair salon, when the stylist would go to wash my hair in the sink my mother had to hold a washcloth over my face or I would scream. I still have to do this as an adult. If I go to a salon I have to hold a washcloth over my face when they wash my hair. My husband thinks that I should just get over it and go out in the rain but I have tried and while I don’t scream and run away anymore, my heart starts racing and I get tetchy and irritable. Once a few months ago I was out in the driveway under the truck working on the exhaust and it started to rain. I knew I could not stop until it was finished and I figured since I was under the truck I would be safe from my fear, but water kept dripping through the engine bay and landing on my face and I was laying in rain water. I tried to grit my teeth and keep going but I had a full blown panic attach and started crying right there in the driveway under my truck. I don’t know how to overcome this fear and it’s kind of embarrassing when I go out with my friends and wont walk outside in the rain and have to explain to friends and coworkers that I as an adult am afraid of getting wet in the rain. Please if anyone else has experienced this please let me know and give me ideas of how to cope. Even just knowing that I’m not alone and a total weirdo would be helpful.
Audrey Johnson says
Hello Genny, I do not have the same aversion to all types of falling water that you do, but I too cannot take showers or wash my hair and get my face wet without panicking. I take the same type of modified shower that I am sure you do and use the washcloth trick at the salon as well! I always took baths as a kid and still do today if I can at all help it, to the extent that even though I currently live in a boat (which I love) I bought a foldaway bathtub. I wasn’t always afraid of the rain but last year my beloved, elderly dog drowned. Since then I can’t bring myself to go outside in it, concentrate, or drive in it if I can help it. Since I live in Seattle this is a real problem.
Genny says
Audrey, it is good to hear that I am not alone. I have recently found out that my aversion to falling water is not actually a phobia at all but it is a Sensory Processing Disorder. I cannot say for sure if this is the same case for you but it may be worth investigating. Now that I know what it is I don’t feel so self-conscious about my issue.
Maaz says
Hi everyone, I am 29 years old. I want to overcome this fear, that’s why I have started to go into the rain when it’s raining in daytime and I am not at work. Although, heavy rain gives me panic attack almost every time.
Reading comments gave me a little relief knowing that I am not the only one. I wish I could talk to each and everyone in the comment section and get to know them. I don’t know how people would take this as I am from a third world country.
Let’s just hope we overcome this fear soon.
God bless you all.
Levia says
I never noticed this until I was 15. Whenever I hear rain, I always hide into the corner of my room. And I get scared so much I would listen to some music and turn up the volume so I couldn’t hear it.
There was not a single bad incident that has happened so far in my entire life that would make me fear rain. So, I really don’t understand why I’m suddenly so scared of it.
nichole says
I am 25 years old. Back when I was younger I was never afraid of storms our anything like that, but when I got older a weak tornado passed through my neighborhood, which also happens to be a large trailer park. Even though the tornado was weak it did quite a bit of damage causing trees to fall and trailers losing their underpinnings. A tree unfortunately also landed in our neighbors trailer, demolishing it. Ever since then I have been terrified of rain and storms fearing that if a stronger tornado was to form then our trailer would be destroyed with my family and I in it or that even a strong storm could knock down a tree and it lands on our house. It doesn’t help that just this year a category 3 tornado struck down just down the street, missing us by only a few miles, hitting another trailer park and killing 7 people. My fear has gotten so bad that I can’t so much as handle even light rain, and if it rains while I’m at work I have a full blown panic attack. I can’t even sleep at night if it’s raining, which it has been doing a lot this year. This fear is ruining my life.
Dianne Robios says
Hi! I’m Dianne 28 yrs old from the Philippines. I had this kind of phobia since I was I think 5 yrs old. It’s totally bad because I am always looking at the sky to check if it will rain or if the clouds are too dark, I get nervous and when it rains I always find myself in bed and put myself in blanket and pillows so I can’t hear any raindrops on our roof. I can truly relate to this blog that describes the symptoms of this Ombrophobia where I discovered that there is a phobia related to the rain. Actually, I am so glad that despite that I am so scared at the moment because of this damn rain, I felt so relieved cause I am not the only one feeling this phobia. I thought this wasn’t normal and I wasn’t normal. This is the first time ever in my life I thank this kind of heavy rain cause I came to this blog. Reading everyone’s comment here makes me feel so relieved that I’m not alone feeling this way. I hope soon I can overcome this phobia. Stay safe everyone.
Dianne from the Philippines
kyle says
I recommend noise cancelling headphones and keeping the blinds shut with the lights on.
William says
I try this every time and it works.
Ananda Lee Mortimer says
My husband and I and my dog were caught in our room when a tornado ripped through our house two years ago. I have developed Anxiety because of it, my dog was also becoming ridden with Anxiety. I am being medicated, but I am petrified of storms, rain and clouds. I am forever looking at the weather forecast, forever looking at the sky, if I see stars I am happy, if I see clear blue sky I am happy, but as soon as it is going to rain I start panicking. Right now my heart is racing as they forecast rain this afternoon in Benoni South Africa and currently there is a Hurricane in the states. I have moved house to get out of our house that was ridden over by a tornado. I just want to be normal, help.
Hayley says
I know how that feels. I’ve been terrified when it rains. We are moving to Texas. I like it here because we don’t get tornadoes or hurricanes but now I am scared to death because I don’t know if we will have them there.
Fabian says
I’m really scared of rain but in the day I’m fine unless it’s really bad but in the night it’s on a whole other level, please leave some tips to help asap.
Ananda Lee Mortimer says
I understand your feelings and you are not alone.
Asna Ulfah says
Hi i am 16 years old but i’m still afraid of heavy rain where there’s thunder and wind. I hate it so much. I always felt shaking and wanted to cry. I’m not scared if it’s only rain but it will become a problem to me when heavy rain occurs. What should i do?
Rosie says
Hi, I have 5 daughters. My baby turned 5 this year in April and on that night we had one of the worst storms which caused a power outage which didn’t resume till the afternoon on the next day. Ever since that day, she has not wanted to go anywhere if it rains or when the sky changes from blue to grey. She refuses to go to school as we have had a lot more rainy days. I have read all the info on here which was given to me by a good friend and my baby ticks all the symptoms of what to look out for. She can be playing or doing something and then when she sees that the sky has changed colour, she would look outside straight away or she cries and runs to whoever is close by. She would ask if there is going to be a storm. During recent school holidays, she refused to go anywhere as the days weren’t a blue. THis has really broken me as I feel useless as a mother and not knowing what to do and I have never had this kind of issue with my other 4 daughters. Please HELP as I don’t want her to miss out on school and outings and having fun just because of this.
Aribella says
Hi I’m 11 years old and I have the same fear, I just think to myself every day will be a mental assault if I keep this up.
Pramot Wagley says
Yea bro I’m 10 so yea. I’m scared of rain like heavy rain, light rain and showers. Also I’m scared of high winds. Today the max wind was around 30 or 40 in Syracuse Liverpool Ny.
Tehzeeb says
Hi, i am 13 and i now suddenly fear the thunder and lightning also the winds i dont know why I suddenly started to fear them. Whenever i see lightning or hear the sound of thunder i am about to cry, my heart beats really fast and i dont know what i am doing i am just so unstable.
Maricella Castillo says
Don’t feel bad or that you are alone. I can relate to you. A lot of people think I’m crazy but I’m not, it’s something we can’t control. I go crazy and I hide under the blankets and cry and at times I can’t breathe.
angela says
i have a child who has phobia of rains. not only that, i think he also has fear of thunders and drowning. it is so hard to console him when he is throwing fit when it rains. i keep talking to him when it rains to keep him calm down but it seems it does not help. any advice?
ashish raut says
Listen to songs in headphones.
Maleah B. says
Yesterday I went on a walk at 4:00 and ended up getting lost because I am new to the area and I was walking around for almost 8 hours trying to find my house. It was raining and lightning and I used to love the rain and now I never want to see, hear, touch or have anything to do with rain. The cops were at my house and some trying to find me until I showed back up at my house when I found it and my back and butt was damp so they think I got into a car or went to someones house. Now they think im lying so I have a police record and im only fourteen!
McKenna says
I’m 19, and as I write this, there is a rain/hail storm happening right outside my window. I am shaking uncontrollably, breathing quickly, crying, and very scared. I only feel this way about rain at night however. If this was daytime, I would be fine with it. So I was wondering if that still is the pluviophobia? Does nighttime have a roll?
Tiffany says
Hi McKenna,
I am a producer for a show that airs on the weather channel and am looking for someone to speak with us about what it’s like to have a phobia of the wind or rain. If anyone would be up for this, please contact me at tiffany.rosengrant.contractor @ weathergroup.com. We are not going to embarrass you in any way, we are doing a show about weather related phobias and need someone who can tell us first hand how it affects you, what you’re feeling when confronted with your phobia, and how it subsides afterwards. Thank you for your time and consideration.
Carolyn Smith says
My fear is the association of heavy fog, howling wind, darkness, lightening and the connectivity that is associated with down pours or heavy rain and rolling water. My fear is even greater whenever I cross the Mississippi River. I start hyperventilating. There is a mystery that is involved as though I have been in a similar situation where something is taking my breath away. I have never been involved in a tornado or hurricane, but when I lived in Kentucky as a child I used to hide in closets until the storm passed. As an adult, when I travel, crossing any bridge where there is water underneath I become very fearful of falling in, and once again, I start hyperventilating.
I continue to tell people how mysterious the Pacific Ocean and the Mississippi River are.
abhraleen chakraborty says
i have such a phobia
Jen says
Exactly what I feel right now. It’s midnight as the heavy rain pours down and I’m extremely terrified, unsettled and my heart beats so fast.. Can’t freaking sleep ugh ! I hate evening/midnight rain 😭 I’m okay with rains during day as well but nights are just extremely my worst fear 😭
Andy says
I am 12 and i am afraid of wind and rain. How do i get rid of this phobia asap.
Diego says
Try looking at the rain and listen to music. Once you get comfortable enough try touching it.
Nomie says
Hi, I’m Nomie. Idk if I have an ombrophobia, but I am really getting paranoid, consecutively looking up in the sky, saying or feeling that a rain just drop even if my friends said there’s none. Or wondering if it will rain everytime I look up. And when it rains, I tend to sleep all day. But I’m not panicking I just don’t like getting rained on. Do you think I have this phobia?
Taylor says
I would say that might be just that you don’t like getting rained on, but you don’t know if it’s a phobia. Answer these questions:
Do you have feelings of tightness in your chest when it rains?
Do you feel like wanting to hide away, cry, or feel like you’re going to have a panic attack when it rains?
Do you constantly check the weather to see if it will rain?
Do you get anxiety from the sight of a dark cloud or a picture of rain?
If you answered yes to more than 2 of these, you might have ombrophobia. If so, you might need therapy or counseling.
Azhell says
Hi I am Azhell and I’m 15.. my fear of rain just started about a year ago. I am so scared of rain but I’m not scared of thunder, storms or flooding. I’m ok with it but everytime it’s raining, my body start to shake and I want to cry. My body temperature goes horribly down too so everytime it’s raining I’ll sleep. I have never told this to anyone but tbh the reason why I’m scared of rain is because I start to hear weird things like whispering, yelling and crying and it’s just gotten louder and louder. What should I do? Can you guys help me because I want to get rid of my fear asap 😭
Taylor says
That sounds horrible! I think it might be because if you’re Christian, you might need more faith in God. I suggest that you should start going to church more and praising Jesus more, and if the voices keep coming whenever it rains, you might need more help. Hope this helps! Taylor
Kayla says
Hi I’m Kayla, I have this problem but instead of flooding I think about tornadoes. I’m glad I’m not the only one.
Kyla says
Hi I’m Kyla and I’m 15. Before, whenever it rains, I’m always the person who thinks that it will flood us away. I thought it’s just an ordinary situation I had. Today, I got irritated because of certain things so I decided to visit rainmood. I never really visited that site before, my friend just recommended it to me, to keep calm. But it turns out that I got really scared. I thought the feeling I have would be fine, that’s why I put on my earphones and pushed the volume to the highest. Suddenly, when the site loaded, I started freaking and having fast heartbeats that I think is being exaggerated, that’s the reason why I tried researching it.
Audrey says
Hello, my name is audrey and I’m 17. I have a horrible fear of rain.. It’s so bad where I won’t even leave my bed. I can’t function or do anything I am seeing a new therapist but it isn’t helping much. Do you have any other suggestions for me on how to at least cope with rain and try and fiction cause it is ruining some day plans or important things I have going on. Thank you!
John says
Hello there, sorry for asking, are you still scared of rain now? Because everything about it is making me sick and I am 20. I am so ashamed of myself.
Britney Atet-Eng says
I got depressed during a rainy season and that made me hate the rain, even the sound of it makes me sad and raises my anxiety. How can I possibly overcome this fear?
Leah says
Hello, my brother is 12 and autistic and he has a severe fear of the rain and anything that seems like it is going to rain, he is unable to talk over his fears. Do you have any suggestions? If you don’t then thanks for your consideration..
From,
Leah Angel Harrison
Jacob says
Hi Leah
I suggest you contact the people from Autism Speaks. They are actively supporting research on anxiety disorders associated with autism and I am sure they will help you out to the best of their abilities.