Lightheaded

[Minnie87]

How do you all cope with the constant lightheaded/unbalanced faint feeling?

Some days it’s so bad I can barely move!

Any advice would be greatly welcome.

[Damian]

Presumably you've had medical tests and it is just down to anxiety? Obviously there are other medical conditions that can make you feel like that.

Assuming it is anxiety, I was wondering if you could set yourself some small goals. We all know that you can't just decide not to be anxious, or decide to ignore it completely, but perhaps you could decide on a small step you think you could manage.

When I say that I mean something really small, to begin with. I don't know exactly what you'd find too easy or too hard, but if you're feeling you can barely move then perhaps it could be something like getting out of one chair, walking to another, and sitting down again. If you're afraid you will faint, do it while your husband is there so he could catch you and stop you hurting yourself. (I fainted once and the doctor told me that a one-off faint isn't generally a problem.)

If you can build up, hopefully you'll get a sense of achievement, and also you'll find that you're moving about without any of your anxiety worries coming true. That might reduce your anxiety and so also reduce the lightheaded feeling.

[Minnie87 in reply to Damian]

I’ve had loads of tests for my heart as that has been a recent problem separate to the lightheadedness.

I’ve seen many doctors and they just say anxiety.even though mine is 24/7.i wish it was something physical as then it could be treated.thank you for your reply.i really appreciate it and your advice.

[kama24]

Can you lay down and read, listen to music you like, or crochet/knit? When the weather gets warmer can you sit out in the sun & just enjoy the warmth and sounds? Have you ever tried wearing an elastic on your wrist? I read about that in a book. When the anxiety starts to mount, snap it against your wrist several times. Has medication ever helped to ease what you deal with?

[Minnie87 in reply to kama24]

Hiya!thank you for the reply.

I take propranolol for my heart racing etc and that works a little.

But the lightheaded/faint feeling never goes.even when I’m just sat or stood or laying in bed.then I get really bad waves of it and feel like I will pass out.

It’s really annoying and I’m starting to get angry with it.i do sit outside but again I feel so lightheaded sometimes it’s hard to.

I will def try the elastic band trick for when things get really bad.thank you 😊

[Ragdoll15 in reply to Minnie87]

Do you feel more lightheaded when you are outside, I know I do. I suffer with agroaphobia but go out occasionally with somebody with me. However, I usually feel so bad that I just want to get back home again into my 'safety cocoon'. This is no way to live, after being someone that was always out somewhere. Really hope you can start seeing some improvement very soon.

[kama24 in reply to Minnie87]

Another thought is, have you ever had your ears checked? It could be vertigo. It comes in many different extremes. Have you had your BP checked? I do understand how difficult it is to deal with an ongoing annoying, frightening symptom. I also take a beta blocker for heart & anxiety. When my panic disorder is really acting up I get angry at myself that I cannot just "stop it". If only it were that easy! Take care.

[Minnie87 in reply to kama24]

Thank you.its so nice to know I’m not alone.although I wouldn’t wish it on anyone!i totally agree with what you said about getting angry with yourself.it is so frustrating isn’t it!

Yep I have had my blood pressure checked about 15 times this month(I’ve been in hospital a lot with my heart) and it’s always spot on!as are my oxygen levels.

I’ve never actually had my ears checked.i may get them looked at this week just to make sure.thank you for that😊

[kama24 in reply to Minnie87]

Don't ever give up! I've had both severe vertigo where I actually fell to the floor, and the lesser type where I stagger and the "merry go round" is going slower. I was told once to avoid salt. Hard for a salt lover Take care of you!