Welcome to a special patient spotlight series in celebration of Dizzy Parents Day, hosted by the Dizzy Moms Club in partnership with VeDA. By sharing these real-life journeys and practical ‘dizzy parenting hacks,’ our goal is to help parents navigating chronic dizziness find their way out of isolation and into a supportive village. Each feature highlights the voice, vulnerability, and inspiring resilience of a parent navigating an invisible vestibular disorder.
Lou’s Story
What is your specific diagnosis (or type of chronic dizziness), and how old are your child(ren)?
My diagnosis is PPPD, but I’ve also suffered with migraines for years. My daughter is 4 years old.
What is a “dizzy parenting hack” or tool you rely on to get through the week?
Setting out clothes and preschool bags, along with my work clothes and any lunches that need to be made, the night before to save me rushing around in the morning. It means I start my day off at a slower pace and not in fight-or-flight as soon as I get out of bed, or at least not any more than I usually am.
How do you talk to your children about your dizziness in a way they can understand?
I tell my daughter, ‘’Mummy is feeling dizzy today, a bit like how you feel after you’ve been spinning around really fast. It means I might need to lie down and rest for a little while until I feel better.” Explaining it in a way they can relate to helps them understand what’s happening without making it scary, and it reassures them that I just need some extra rest.
What has been the most challenging or surprising emotional hurdle of parenting with an invisible illness?
The most challenging part has been the guilt. It’s hard when my dizziness means I can’t always be as active or spontaneous as I’d like with my daughter. The biggest surprise has been how understanding and adaptable she is. She accepts that some days I need to rest, and we’ve found other ways to spend quality time together, which has shown me that being present matters more than always being on the go.
What is a moment where you felt incredibly proud of yourself as a parent, despite your symptoms?
I felt incredibly proud the first time I realized that, despite my dizziness, my daughter still felt safe, loved, and happy. There have been days when I couldn’t run around with her or had to rest more than I wanted, but I learned that being a good parent isn’t about doing everything. It’s about being there, showing them love, and adapting together. Seeing how resilient and understanding she has become has made me realize I’m doing better than I often give myself credit for.
How did finding an ally network or a support group (like the Dizzy Moms Club or VeDA) shift how you view your diagnosis?
Finding The Dizzy Moms Club and VeDA made me realize that I wasn’t alone. The weight that lifted from my shoulders was incredible. For the first time, I was surrounded by people who truly understood what living with dizziness and PPPD is like. It stopped feeling like this mysterious condition that no one had ever heard of and became something I could talk about with people who genuinely understood. That sense of community has made a huge difference to how I view my diagnosis and has given me hope on the difficult days.
Why is an international advocacy day like Dizzy Parents Day so important to you, and what message of encouragement would you send to another parent who is currently suffering alone right now?
An international advocacy day like Dizzy Parents Day is so important because it helps people realize that parents living with dizziness and invisible illnesses deserve understanding, support, and practical help. That support shouldn’t just be for mums; it should be available for all dizzy parents, because dads and other caregivers face many of the same challenges too. Raising awareness helps reduce stigma and reminds families that they are not alone.
To any parent who is struggling right now, I’d say: be kind to yourself. Parenting while living with dizziness can be incredibly hard, but you’re doing the best you can. Your children don’t need a perfect parent; they need a loved and caring one. Don’t be afraid to ask for help, lean on others when you need to, and remember that even on the difficult days, what you’re doing is enough.