Ombrophobia - Fear of Rain

Ombrophobia is defined as a persistent, irrational fear of the rain. It is of interest to note that this phobia is more specifically focused on the fear of being rained upon.

Sometimes referred to as Pluviophobia, the word derives from the Greek "ombos", meaning rain and "phobos" meaning fear.

What Causes Ombrophobia?

As will all phobias, the individual coping with Ombrophobia has experienced an actual trauma. That experience is then associated with rain and the threat of being rained upon.

Perhaps the ombrophobic person finds the rain intensely depressing and is concerned that this will negatively impact their mental health. The individual coping with Ombrophobia may associate rain and being rained upon with illnesses such as colds and flu. Maybe, as a child, the person was told that they'd "catch their death" if they went outside during the rain.

Whatever the reason, the person coping with Ombrophobia can experience emotional turmoil and anxiety that is completely disruptive to daily functioning.

What Are the Symptoms of Ombrophobia?

The symptoms of Ombrophobia are individual to the person coping with this phobia. Some people, when confronted with their fear, may feel uncomfortable, become nauseated or begin to perspire. At the opposite end of the spectrum, other people are so intensely compromised by this phobia, that they experience paralyzing panic and/or anxiety attacks.

Other symptoms of Ombrophobia can include:

• A Dry Mouth
• Muscle Tension
• Gasping or Shortness of Breath
• Trembling
• Increased Heartbeat
• Hyperventilation
• Feeling Out of Control
• Feeling Trapped and Unable to Escape
• Overwhelming Feeling of Anticipated Disaster

How Is Ombrophobia Diagnosed?

The majority of cases of Ombrophobia are self-diagnosed. The individual realizes that their fear of rain is irrational and is severely interfering with their daily functioning.

The ombrophobic may then schedule an appointment with their doctor in order to discuss their phobia. Typically, the doctor will not assign a diagnosis of Ombrophobia based on that initial discussion. More routinely, after ruling out any physical reasons for the phobia, the doctor will refer the individual to a mental health professional for further assessment and evaluation.

How Is Ombrophobia Treated?

When the fear of rain and of being rained upon becomes so intense as to disrupt an individual's daily functioning, there are a variety of methods to treat Ombrophobia. These can include:

• Talking to the primary physician who can refer the individual to a therapist who specializes in the treatment of phobias.
• Self-help techniques.
• Hypnotherapy.
• Support groups with other people who cope with this phobia.
• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy or Desensitization Therapy.
• Exposure Therapy.
• Relaxation techniques such as deep breathing.
• In extreme cases of Ombrophobia, anti-anxiety medication can be prescribed.

Ombrophobia is an intense, irrational fear of rain and of being rained upon. Sometimes that fear can become so intense as to stop a person's ability to maintain daily functioning. Unchecked, Ombrophobia can become a debilitating condition that interferes with the person's social life, personal life and job responsibilities. Untreated, Ombrophobia touches every aspect of a person's life.