The Top Three Reasons Why You Can't Shake Off Your Chronic Vertigo
Don’t get me wrong, I understand how difficult it can be to get through chronic vertigo.
By all means, these 3 reasons are not every reason that you can’t get rid of your chronic condition, but they are ones that I often see as barriers to recovery.
Maybe you feel like these don’t apply, or you have already addressed them and still have your symptoms, that’s ok, these are just meant to be thought provoking, hopefully guiding you toward a state of humility and looking a bit deeper to reflect on whether you are actually addressing everything that you can.
With trying to recover from my chronic gut dysfunction, I realized that I had been in a state of up-regulation, anxiety, and stress for so long that I thought it was normal, I didn’t realize what it felt like to be grounded, calm, and relaxed until I worked with my medical professional to get there. Sometimes it takes another person to help point out what may not be obvious to ourselves.
I’m hoping you find some encouragement and hope through this post!
Anxiety and Fear: Your Unwanted Companions
Anxiety and vertigo often go hand in hand, feeding off each other and intensifying your experience. Vertigo can trigger emotional and physical responses like nausea and sweating, which in turn can heighten your fear of experiencing vertigo. This fear can be debilitating, preventing you from relaxing, which is crucial for overcoming vertigo. Fear of vertigo can contribute to being in a perpetual sympathetic state, but so can constant anxiety, and it doesn’t even have to be anxiety about vertigo.
If you're constantly in a heightened state of anxiety, it can be a significant barrier to your recovery. This could be anxiety about vertigo, but it could also be a generalized anxiety that’s unrelated to dizziness. If you're struggling with anxiety, consider exploring potential gastrointestinal imbalances or dysfunctions, as these are often linked with anxiety and depression, consider working with a therapist, and/or a medical professional who specializes in treating anxiety.
The reason to not be in a sympathetic state all the time is because the brain does not adapt as well when it’s in that flight or fight mode. A heightened nervous system in that flight or fight is more prone to environmental sensitivities (think light and sound sensitivity), poorly manages stress, leads to over production of cortisol resulting in hormonal imbalances, disturbs sleep, and changes how your brain processes your thoughts and emotions.
The Elusive Root Cause of Your Vertigo
If you're experiencing chronic vertigo, it's essential to identify the root cause. Sometimes, treatments can alleviate symptoms even if the cause remains unknown, but if you've tried this route without success, it might be time investigate a bit more. Conditions like vestibular migraines can be challenging to diagnose due to their vague and global symptoms. In some cases, more than one diagnosis may be contributing to your dizziness. Working with a medical professional who specializes in vestibular disorders can help you identify patterns and potential causes of your symptoms.
The Need for Motivation and Hard Work
Recovering from a chronic condition like vertigo requires motivation, hard work, and a lot of trial and error. The journey to recovery can involve a lot of self-discovery and a deep understanding of your body's patterns and functions. It also requires humility to face potential barriers, such as acknowledging that you're dealing with anxiety or stress. If you've been in a high-stress state for a long time, you may not know what it feels like to be in a calm and relaxed state. Having a coach or a medical professional to guide you through this process can be incredibly beneficial. They can provide insights and strategies that you might not have considered before. However, you need to be motivated and put in the work. Your body's symptoms are its way of telling you that something isn't right. So, keep searching, keep trying to figure out what the root cause is, and keep moving forward.
Remember, overcoming chronic vertigo isn't just about managing symptoms or finding a quick fix. It's about understanding your body, addressing the root cause, and making the necessary changes to your lifestyle and mindset. It's a journey, but with the right approach and support, you can navigate it successfully. If you need help getting through chronic vertigo check out my Vertigo Recovery Membership that has the resources and support to help move you forward in recovery, just click the link below to learn more!
