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Phobia of being dizzy

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Posted 5/31/2014 7:44 PM (GMT 0)
Hello! I'm new to this site. I'm 20 and a college student. For 6 months now , I've been dealing with extreme anxiety and panic attacks revolving around dizziness. Not necessarily room spinning around dizziness , but like depersonalization, like I'm walking and don't feel like I'm walking so I then feel lightheaded or I'm laying in bed and feel that the bed is moving under me. I think it's because I focus on everything my body does , so one little sensation I feel, then I think I'm dizzy. My ears always hurt and feel like I have pressure in them which doesn't help because it makes me scared that I'm gonna b dizzy because my equilibrium is gonna mess up. I am taking medicine and see a therapist , but I can't shake this dizzy phobia. I don't go out in public because I'm scared that I'll feel dizzy and fall to the floor. Even walking and standing up is hard for me because I feel that I'm gonna gall over any minute. Even at my house I feel this way. My life is completely ruined and I feel hopeless.
Posted 5/31/2014 8:23 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Sarah and welcome

I am sorry to hear of your dizziness and the distress that it is causing you. I have this as a transient symptom as well.

I am glad to see that you are getting help for this issue. How long have you been doing the therapy? What does your therapist have you doing specifically for relief?

Also, since your dizziness seems to trigger the panic, rather than the other way around...have you had your ears checked out by a doctor just to be sure that this is not a physical issue, such as congestion or an infection? (I once had a middle ear infection that caused no pain or fever...just dizziness and pressure.)


If it does turn out to be all anxiety realted...please check out our Resources here on the main page (1st post) and try some of the breathing/stress relief exercises that are provided in links there.

These (breathing exercises) can be effective in restoring the proper O2/CO2 balance in the body, reducing the feelings that you described.

The stress relieving exercises can bring down overall anxiety levels, also reducing symptoms.:)

Keep posting with us as well. It is good to talk with others who understand and care!!

Scaredy Cat
Posted 5/31/2014 11:19 PM (GMT 0)
I've seen my therapist like 7 times but I think I'm gonna switch to a psychiatrist because i don't feel like I'm benefiting with this therapist.
In December, my doctor said I had a lot of ear wax but I doubt that could make me feel this way for like 6 months. I constantly think about being dizzy like 24/7 so I think I bring this upon myself.
Posted 6/1/2014 2:03 AM (GMT 0)
I have the same issue of depersonalization. It sucks so much! One of the worst feelings in the world. Hang in there
Posted 6/1/2014 11:32 AM (GMT 0)
Hey there...

I have had severe dizziness 24/7. I also feel I cant walk and feel off balance. I got the bed movement last night... I didn't get any sleep because of it. I have had the dizziness for a long time now and I am always scared of fainting but I never actually have. It is a really intense fear...

Try and remind yourself its anxiety... It is one of my worst fears but you can get through this...

Xo
Posted 6/1/2014 1:28 PM (GMT 0)
Sarah,  Welcome to HealingWell and I am so sorry to read of your anxiety.

Actually, the phobia name for Dizziness Phobia is called dinophobia and like most of the anxiety phobias you can heal from this fear.  I would kindly like to suggest you make and appointment with an ENT to receive a medical screening exam to rule out any medical reasons for your dizziness.

I like your decision to see a Psychiatrist if you are not making any progress  after 7 sessions with the therapist.

I have a Psychiatrist and she is truly a blessing in helping me stay grounded as well as she listens to me which is huge.

Keep on talking with us and know we care.

Posted 6/1/2014 3:39 PM (GMT 0)
Thanks for all the responses. I hope I get over this phobia soon, it's horrible.
Posted 6/1/2014 4:07 PM (GMT 0)
sarah,

You will overcome this phobia but remember you must do the work.

“You may encounter many defeats, but you must not be defeated. In fact, it may be necessary to encounter the defeats, so you can know who you are, what you can rise from, how you can still come out of it.”
― Maya Angelou

From our resources:

How to Cope with Phobias

 

http://www.mdhil.com/how-to-cope-with-phobias/

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