[KwoNeShe]

Do any of you who suffer from anxiety & panic attacks notice changes during different types of weather? I've heard of SAD and read a bit on it, but that doesn't seem to apply to me.

When it rains, I feel better. If I am tense, anxious, upset, etc, and it starts to rain, I notice a difference almost immediately. I calm down, panic attacks usually don't occur, I feel more lighthearted, and it's like i CAN BREATHE!

I have no idea why, but was curious if anyone else felt like this.

[(JD)]

Interesting. Rain does cleanse the air... one can notice the fresh air after a rain, right? In a storm, the air is also ionized, which makes for easier brathing too.

But maybe something comforting happened during the rains as a child for you? And though you don't recall it consciously, your mind has it in storage?

TC

[KwoNeShe]

I can't think of any comforting that took place in the rain. On the contrary, a couple of my worst memories was when it was raining.

I've no idea. It seems odd to me, but is something I accept. Rain, for whatever reason, makes me feel and breath better.

[pegasus]

I'm glad it helps you.

I think good weather tends to make us feel better.

On the other hand windy weather really freaks me out but then I know it's because of my PTSD issues.

Interesting post, thanks for sharing.

[Juliana]

Weather has an effect on my anxiety. I feel best on cool, rainy days. I feel freer and more relaxed. I feel like I can breathe more easily. I also love thunderstorms. I love the sound of the wind and the heavy rain on the roof. It's comforting to me and I feel very calm and safe in my home. Hurricanes are a different matter all together. ;-)

My panic attacks are worst on hot, sticky summer days. I get nauseous and feel like I'm suffocating and I get very panicky. I also feel irritable when it's hot. I'm just so on edge. I also don't like being in very warm rooms. One of my colleagues keeps her office very warm and I always feel edgy and queasy when I'm in there. I keep my home and my office at 15C/59F and that's a comfortable temperature for me. I also sleep with the bedroom window cracked open even in winter. I like fresh, cold air.

I'm sensitive to bright sunlight. I have an inner ear problem and bright light makes me dizzy sometimes, so I prefer low light. I like cloudy days and I LOVE rainy days. I live in Nova Scotia so fortunately, I get lots of foggy, rainy days through most of the year. Suits me just fine. I wear sunglasses a lot -- even on days that aren't very sunny. I sometimes wear them in malls and grocery stores too where there's lots of bright fluorescent light. I'm less likely to have a panic attack if the light is dimmed.

Oh yes! I recently realized this myself. A rainy day is a "pass" for me.. I feel like I've been given permission to relax.

I think I imagine that everything has slowed down or stopped out in the world, so I can too.

It didn't used to be this way for me and it doesn't happen when it's hurricane rain! Whole 'nother ballgame there. lol

Snowy days can make me feel that way too.

It's as if the weather is wrapping me up in it's comforting blanket. It feels good!.