Dizziness and anxiety
Many patients ask whether their dizziness/ vertigo symptoms are caused by their anxiety. They believe their symptoms are ‘made up’ and ‘in their head’ and that if they could stop worrying they would be better.
Unfortunately, this belief can be fueled by a lack of understanding and knowledge from family members, friends and even doctors and other health professionals.
In my experience, anxiety is very common alongside vestibular issues – dizziness, vertigo, balance issues – and makes what is a bad experience, even worse. If the world is spinning or if you feel like you are always moving, I suspect the vast majority of us would become anxious.
BUT, often the anxiety is a result of the vestibular issue, not the cause of it!
Patients’ anxieties, stress and worries all need to acknowledge and addressed appropriately during treatment. Sometimes, counsellors and/or medication are needed.
However, through my experience, one of the best treatments is to show the patient you understand what is happening, that what they are experiencing is more common than they realise and - most important and effective of all – there is help available and real improvements can be made!
When a patient realises this, they often can’t wait to get started!
If you or someone you know is struggling with dizziness, vertigo or any other vestibular issue contact the Dizziness, Balance & Concussion Centre to help you regain your balance!
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