Coping & Support
Take a Step Toward Recovery
You are not alone.
Living with a vestibular disorder can sometimes make you feel like your life is upside-down, literally and figuratively. It can be overwhelming to know where to start on the road to recovery. VeDA makes it easy for you.
Suicide Prevention Resources
Vestibular disorders can be life-altering conditions, often causing significant disruptions to daily activities and quality of life. The challenges of living with these disorders can sometimes lead to feelings of depression and, in severe cases, thoughts of suicide. It's crucial to recognize that mental health support is an essential part of managing vestibular disorders. If you or a loved one are experiencing suicidal thoughts, seeking immediate professional help is vital.
Living With a Vestibular Disorder
Vestibular disorders come with a host of concurrent symptoms, including physical and emotional fatigue, brain fog, and nausea. A holistic healthcare plan addresses these issues to support your wellness.
VeDA can help you develop coping strategies to adapt to every day activities, such as travel, dining out, sleep hygiene, stress reduction, lighting, triggers, and more.
Support Groups
Have you ever felt like people doubted your vestibular symptoms? Support groups provide space for you to ask questions and learn in a non-judgmental and safe environment. Participants know that everyone attending the meeting understands and has compassion for the functional difficulties of getting through each day. As a result, less frustration and energy are spent on proving or defining limitations. More energy is available for appreciating the character and companionship offered by others, and recognizing personal self-worth.
Mental Health & Psychological Impacts
Many vestibular patients struggle with disorientation, confusion and memory loss, as well as anxiety, depression, and social isolation on a daily basis. This can increase your sense of vulnerability, which affects your identity and self-worth. Talk therapy is a valuable resource when you are struggling with the challenges of coping with a vestibular disorder so you can develop self-compassion and acceptance.
Disability Resources
Many people who suffer from chronic vestibular disorders find it difficult to continue working due to the physical and cognitive impacts of their illness. If you are experiencing problems functioning in your job at your former level, you may want to research disability options that could be available to you.
Job Hunting With a Vestibular Disorder
For vestibular patients, searching for a job can have additional challenges. This article provides tips for finding a job that enables you to be challenged and fulfilled while prioritizing your health.
For "Carers"
The friends and family members who care for vestibular patients provide essential support. Without firsthand experience, these individuals are challenged to learn about vestibular disorders in order to lessen the impacts of their loved one's illness. VeDA seeks to focus attention on the friends and family members of our vestibular community and to support their efforts.
Military Resources
While vestibular disorders can affect individuals of any age, background, or profession, military personnel are exposed to unique circumstances that can put them at risk for certain types of inner ear damage. Did you know that a traumatic brain injury can cause vestibular impairment? Soldiers diagnosed with PTSD may also have an underlying vestibular disorder. VeDA can help you find a military healthcare provider who specializes in vestibular disorders.
Community Stories
By sharing our stories, we validate the vestibular patient experience and raise awareness about the challenges people with chronic dizziness and imbalance face every day.
External Resources
VeDA provides links to other websites that may be useful for vestibular patients and professionals as a courtesy. If you know of a resource you think would be useful to add, email us at [email protected].
Want More Information, All In One Place?
VeDA's Article Collections are curated educational resources with everything you need, all in one place. Each collection is focused on one topic, with a range of articles to provide a complete set of relevant information.
Sponsored
Walk with Security and Confidence
Urban Poling’s ACTIVATOR℗ poles are designed by physical therapists for rehabilitation to support balance.
