Coping with dizziness

Most people experience short periods of dizziness or vertigo; however, it can be very difficult to cope when the problems become more long-term or chronic. You may find it hard to explain to others how it affects you to friends, family and work colleagues. It can be hard for people to understand that you have a problem when they can’t see anything wrong with you and they may find it hard to understand how your dizziness affects you.

Here are some tips that you may find helpful:

  • It is common for people to feel anxious when they leave their house in case they feel dizzy in a public place, and you may stop doing the things you enjoy in preference to spending more time at home. It is important to try not to stop doing everyday activities; this will slow down you recovery and your body will not learn to ‘compensate’ for the dizziness. Try to do at least on ‘activity’ each day, for example walking to the shop to buy a newspaper.
  • Some people find it helps to practice relaxation techniques. Techniques involve relaxing different muscle groups in your body and help you to slow your breathing down.
  • Try to drink plenty of water and avoid drinking too much caffeine which can make you dehydrated.

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