UK Counselling Directory article on Living with a vestibular disorder

Sharing with permission this article I wrote for Counselling Directory, on the impact of vestibular disorders on mental health, tips for improving emotional well-being, and how counselling can help:

https://www.counselling-directory.org.uk/memberarticles/living-with-a-vestibular-disorder-how-counselling-can-help-you

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that’s a very well written article, thank you for sharing @AliciaT

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Thank you @ander454!

@DizzyBot can you please summarise the article linked in the OP?

Here’s a summary of the article “Living with a Vestibular Disorder: How Counselling Can Help You”:

The article discusses the profound impact that vestibular disorders can have on individuals’ mental health and overall well-being. These disorders affect the body’s internal balance system, leading to symptoms such as dizziness, brain fog, fatigue, tinnitus, nausea, motion sensitivity, and visual disturbances. The unpredictability and invisibility of these symptoms can make them particularly challenging to cope with.

Key points from the article include:

  • Emotional Impact: Vestibular disorders can cause increased anxiety, panic attacks, depression, and a sense of isolation due to the unpredictable nature of the symptoms.
  • Counselling Benefits: Counselling provides a supportive space to process emotions related to vestibular disorders without judgment. It’s not about finding an emotional cause for the disorder but helping individuals manage their condition and improve their quality of life.
  • Management Strategies: The article suggests several strategies to manage the emotional well-being of those with vestibular disorders, such as pacing oneself, engaging in regular exercise, practicing mindfulness, and using the “spoon theory” to manage energy effectively.

The article emphasizes that while vestibular disorders are challenging, counselling can offer significant support, helping individuals to adapt and find new ways to live fulfilling lives despite their symptoms.

For more detailed insights, you can read the full article here: Living with a Vestibular Disorder: How Counselling Can Help You.