Why you feel spacey when you have chronic dizziness - vestibular issues & dissociation symptoms

[@manikantabadam]

OMG!!! This is me! I have this most of the time almost 24 x 7, I would say. My dizziness actually started with this sensation. It’s been seven months with this. The most disturbing symptom of all for me. Good to see that people got rid of this! Waiting for my turn to get rid off this sensation

[@ivormeckenzie8418]

I'm currently facing it for months.. how a you doing?

[@Zippy177]

I remember having this at the beginning of it all and I remember saying to a family member that I didn’t feel ‘real’ and they didn’t understand what I was talking about. It was scary as I’d never known it even existed. 😢 Thankfully it didn’t last too long- I remember meditation and body scans helped to feel more in my body

[@TheSteadyCoach]

It’s awful! I’m glad you’re not dealing with it anymore.

[@sueryan8320]

Didnt know this existed either. Today was a bad Day. I am gwttinf better with optokinetic therapy. But am sad and angry today.

[@sueryan8320]

Did It go away completa?

[@susanp2349]

Once again you hit the nail on the head. I used to get a floating sensation so often that I had to hold onto a chair... Your grounding technique is a life saver. I push my feet into the ground while bearing down on the chair handles and start singing to myself the 12 days of christmas backwards. I get so distracted by doing this that I feel better a lot sooner. Sounds crazy to most people, but I feel this group would understand.... Thanks again.

[@TheSteadyCoach]

That is an awesome tip, Susan! Challenging your brain to do something other than focus on the symptoms is a good way to short circuit the fear response.

[@lararose9106]

Hi there what u felt is real i feel floaty in bed and even sitting up straight. Im in a wheelchair from chronic vertigo. Still not diagnosed yet but most probably 3pd and vm. The feeling like ur suddenly in a dream can be scary i understand but dont worry think of it like u were sleepy and dosed off for a second then woke up. Dont panic! You wont lose control! Its just a brief feeling and will pass! Make sure ur always hydrated and get enough sleep and even have a snack like a sweet to feel happy! Try to stay calm😊 your strong and u r in control for sure bless u

[@jeffreydemitrus8122]

I am a retired firefighter/paramedic. I lived stress 24/7 for 20 years. I was forced to retire in 2011 at 46 due to back injury and new diagnosis of POTS. I also became a Type II diabetic from 17 steroid injections over 2.5 years. This year, I started working for a new company from home on computers. It’s medical (which I love) but also part sales (which I hate). I started getting lightheaded, confused, slurring my speech, severe difficulty speaking and concentrating. I kept thinking I was having a diabetic issue, which was all normal. Saw my doctor who referred my to audiology and they ran their battery of tests thinking it was the crystals in my ears. Nope, not that either. My neurologist diagnosed me with PPPD. Turns out, the glancing of my gaze on both computer monitors plus my paperwork , and the stress of my job in sales was the cause. When I heard it was because of the stress, I thought, this is not what I call stress. I know stress and lived thru stress. I was able to transfer to a different department with no sales, started PT and my symptoms went away. So yes, I can relate to many things you say

[@TheSteadyCoach]

Wow, perfect example of accumulated stress! I use the metaphor of a bucket of stress- and yours was already full from years of stress before the stressful job.

[@randynavarro6101]

I’m actually in sales… liked it for a few years and the high stress didn’t seem to bother me. But found out that it has. I do not like sales. It’s caused me chronic anxiety and feeling overwhelmed way to often. Being out of sales do you feel better and enjoy life more now? BTW - what type of steroid did you have to take?

[@brendaoro2951]

I just want to tell others that its possible to cure it, I cured the moment I stopped fearing it, how to cure it? Understanding that its a normal body response, and that it doesnt mean anything other than youre stressed Youre not going crazy or anything like that, I started having them when I was 21 and havent had any episode since I was 23 now im 28🤗

[@TheSteadyCoach]

YES!!!! 💯

[@Megan_Jennifer]

Definitely experienced this very badly during the worst part of my PPPD. It was terrifying! I looked down at my phone and it would seem as though I wasn’t the one holding it. I no longer feel this way though thanks to all the regulation exercises 🥰

[@TheSteadyCoach]

It's terrifying. I'm so glad you're not in it anymore!

[@lisadiaz6230]

Which regulation exercises did you find helpful? Ty

[@Megan_Jennifer]

@@lisadiaz6230 parasympathetic breathing and somatic tracking :)

[@lisadiaz6230]

@@Megan_Jennifer Ty, practicing too.

[@Happyalwaysnet]

This is how i felt yesterday. I thought i was losing my mind. Im still have a migraine.

[@andreabryant7653]

I feel like this is the worst part of my vestibular disorder. I’ve struggled with this for 3 years, believing I was crazy! I went from being extremely active (marathon training, CrossFit, hiking, etc.) to barely being able to walk into target and drive without feeling dizzy or dissociating. I’m so tired of living this way! I want to put an end to this madness. Thank you @thesteadycoach for all your help and for giving us all hope!!! God Bless!!❤

[@andreabryant7653]

@TheSteadyCoach

[@goosepaw5156]

@@andreabryant7653how are you now?

[@kateledger4976]

Yes, yes yes 10 months of this following a seizure caused by very low sodium, ended up in icu. Been frightened and dreamlike dizzy/ vision / poor concentration and memory ever since. I m worried sick im brain damaged but scans all show it’s fine. Thank you for the hope I can recover ❤

[@peanutgallery0142]

Would appreciate a video of help for those of us who have no support system. Absolutely no one watched the help your loved one video. I'm on my own with all of this. 😢

[@deadcatlives6931]

Every time I need answers you are there. I just type what I feel in search and there you are. Thanks for that.

[@TheSteadyCoach]

So happy I can help. Information truly is the remedy for these conditions.

[@gregoryking9348]

This is one of those rare instances where the algorithm gods brought me exactly what I needed when I needed it. Just this one video of yours (I have a lot to catch up on) put names and explanations to inner turmoil that'd been owning me as of late. And here up until now I thought it was all related to a long battle with increasingly bad sinus infections, being a relatively recent widowwr, and the survivor of a particularly viscious narcissist when I thought I was ready to date again. I suspect they have all filled my bucket to overflowing.

[@TheSteadyCoach]

Thank you for these kind words, Gregory! I am so glad that you found us and I hope that these videos continue to help you!

[@Mindyyyyparker]

I had this too! It went on for weeks maybe months. But it was so much better at home and when I’d go out in public it was like a switch flipped. I felt unreal and floaty. As if I wasn’t myself and I could just fall over at any time. So Uncomfortable

[@TheSteadyCoach]

It is super uncomfortable!

[@phyllisdavis3403]

Same here.

[@lararose9106]

​@@TheSteadyCoachcan we treat the floaty fall over feeling without antidepressants? Im overweight and in a wheelchair i have MS. Wouldnt want antidepressants affecting my weight or mental state.

[@sammiller2617]

Excellent explanation is this very distressing symptom. And I 100%, like you find mindfulness the most useful tool whilst in the throes of it, in conjunction with addressing stress and increasing tolerance to it. ❤️

[@TheSteadyCoach]

I think it’s the only way ❤️

[@janellegonzales8433]

You are amazing, wish all docs were as knowledgeable as you!

[@TheSteadyCoach]

Oh, Janelle, thank you for these kind words. It truly is my privilege to be able to share this information with others!

[@Aria-ij5ip]

Thank God for your life ! May Jesus bless you and protect you ❤️ you are an angel on earth for me

[@paulaspagnuolo8285]

You do an amazing job at explaining the ‘what and why’ Dr. Yo. I firmly believe that understanding what is happening and why is key to recovery. Keep up the great work. You are changing lives!

[@TheSteadyCoach]

Thank you for this, Paula! I always appreciate your encouragement so much!

[@tracymot]

Dr. Yo, Thank you again for everything you do for this community. I am beyond grateful for your work.❤

[@TheSteadyCoach]

❤❤❤

[@erinpeterson3318]

I have this without fight or flight at all. It’s not a stress response. I feel like the vestibular part is what’s causing mine. I wish she hadn’t gone into the anxiety issues as much, we have all been told “oh honey, it’s anxiety”

[@erinpeterson3318]

Just to be clear, mine doesn’t come and go. I can’t “get out of it” by sucking on candy.

[@TheSteadyCoach]

Hi Erin, it seems like this video made you feel like I was implying you’re suffering from anxiety and that you can just snap out of it. I understand how hard it must be to told over and over again that you’re just being anxious or overreacting when you’re suffering real physiological symptoms. That could not be further from the truth and I’m sorry so many people with dizziness have been gaslighted by medical professionals. That said, my channel focuses on people whose chronic dizziness is medically unexplained, and in those situations, stress, fight/flight and emotional distress are the major precipitating factors. If you’re interested in learning more, you’re welcome to watch some of my other videos.

[@marcomoscoso7402]

I think this is one, if not the most frightening symptom of vestibular disorders and people totally miss the point specially when one is very distressed because of it. I remember having the worst period of vestibular related DPDR during all of September, 2020. It was like a really intense drug bad trip but it lasted almost the full month. It got better when I got used to the level of physical and mental activity I started having at that time but definitely it´s something that reminds me everytime I´m feeling bad, that I´ve been through waaay worse moments and I´ve come back to enjoy life like if nothing happened. My conclusion at that time was that a brain that is under severe stress, even when you´re feeling "calm", can throw you head first into a very bad trip (dissociation) until it finds it´s balance again.

[@TheSteadyCoach]

It is terrifying, Marco- I agree with you. From what I’ve observed, it seems to be one of the symptoms that gets better first, but that’s not true for everyone.

[@julianwright204]

Mines started in late September 2020 it was very painful for me. It was in the heart of COVID it happen to me out the blue

[@ricardo.gna7]

I definitely experienced this when my issues first began. Thankfully havent felt that particular symptom in quite some time!

[@TheSteadyCoach]

That's great, Ricardo!

[@symontosh3736]

Wow. So spot on

[@JonnyQ408]

The first time this happened to me I was at the mall, I had no idea what it was, but everything felt “to real” but also fake at the same time, When i saw myself in the mirror i got scared.

[@tushar334]

I had a panic attack or I don’t know what exactly was it, i just came out of gym. I was driving home comfortably suddenly my heart rate started rising and I checked my watch it was showing whooping 175-180 bpm. I rushed to the nearest emergency department they did ecg and trop t test, everything turned out to be fine. I went back home. Then after about 20 days, I remember i was driving with my family i felt a very strange tingling sensation in my forehead, and i started feeling hell dizzy and lightheaded. I was so panicked at that moment I can’t even explain. I rushed to the neuro the next day, he did MRI MRV. Everything was normal. After that i went through test like eco cardio, VNG, VEMP. Went to around 3 ENTs, 3 neuro, 3 eye doctors, most of the neuro said it’s anxiety. I get hell dizzy while driving, it feels as if I’m high on marijuana when i drive. I try to manage those symptoms through breathing. But sometimes it becomes really tough. Really want to get rid of this feeling ASAP!

[@TheSteadyCoach]

I am sorry that you are experiencing this. Check out this video as I discuss the topic of driving in more detail. kzbin.info/www/bejne/eWS3p2uMmNCqq7c

[@katelynhoffman-ruff8424]

How are you doing now? I also get the tingling forehead dizzy spells and they’re scary.

[@SK-bf6md]

You’re god sent!

[@TheSteadyCoach]

Thank you, I'm so glad this video helped!

[@amrice62]

Yes!!!! This happens to me- spaced out feeling . Awful. When I’m walking it feels like I’m walking on air. My eyes seem tunnel visioned. I get exhausted and feel uncoordinated. I am SO tired of this happening. Tried epley, other teach inquest. Bonine sometimes can help. Caffeine might help. It’s a draining feeling and makes focusing at work very hard some times

[@TheSteadyCoach]

Yes, it's an awful feeling.

[@mjules29]

You are good everything you are saying is on point, thant you

[@TheSteadyCoach]

You are so welcome. Thank you!

[@kimikazikola]

I live this all day long every single day. I have craniocervical instability and don’t know what is physical problems and what is anxiety anymore.

[@TheSteadyCoach]

The mind and body are one system. it's not just anxiety, but brain perceptions of danger can physically affect sensory processing and lead to symptoms.

[@randynavarro6101]

Great video and information!! Thank you Dr. Yo!!

[@TheSteadyCoach]

You're very welcome, Randy!

[@TaniaShopper-r3n]

I said this a week ago and my husband didn’t understand what I was saying. It’s a horrible feeling absolutely horrible and I was pinching myself to see if I was real. I wish you were about in 2004

[@MG-iq6lr]

Brilliant, thank you

[@TheSteadyCoach]

You're very welcome!

[@dianelewis9458]

Thank you so much. I am finding your videos incredibly helpful.

[@TheSteadyCoach]

I am so glad, Diane! Thank you for trusting me with your healing! ❤

[@MollyF86]

So helpful! Thank you, Dr. Yo!

[@TheSteadyCoach]

You're so welcome, Molly! ❤

[@daumele]

Hi. I had a panic attack almost 12 weeks ago. I started having all those PPPD and other vestibular disorder symptoms. Usual story: went to all doctors, everything is good, no diagnosis, at some point found this channel, started healing. Fast forward to today, the only symptom left in me is DPDR. It is low to medium-low intensity. I say I am recovered 99.9 percent to normal but this DPDR feels like it will never go away. I had it since day 1 but it was much higher intensity, I thought I am going mad. It is the worst sensation ever, it makes everything so difficult. Even when I know that it is my mind playing tricks on me it feels so scary and alien. Also, I still have floaters in my eyes but they are getting less and less visible (and also, they are not so disturbing as DPDR). I would like to ask You, Dr. Yo, how to keep faith that DPDR will go away? I know I felt even more hopeless at the darkest of times (even suicidal) but now as I feel "almost" healed it feels that it is the maximum I can achieve and I will be stuck with DPDR for very long. I am 25 y male.

[@englishwithhina5398]

yesterday I was guest on speech competition.while listening to speeches my head spinning such left to rite from inside like m gonna fall or m moving rite to left but I was stable outside. I was not able to sit .o told my husband but he said u r looking ok j r not loving boo inside my head terribly moving spinnig So that I started to walk there I felt better. But not able to sit

[@TheSteadyCoach]

I am sorry you're going through this. One of the worst parts of these symptoms is that you look normal on the outside so other people do not understand.

[@yendryrojas]

Hi! How are you ?

[@soulfire.]

Hello Dr Yonit, thank you for this. This is great. I do not experience dizziness, but I do experience dissociation. I believe it’s purely physical rather than mental as no amount of yoga is curing it. I am wondering if there is a type of massage that you recommend for the vestibular system?

[@smca7271]

An easy word to say "dissociation ",but I think this was one of the hardest symptoms to cope with,for me its like nothing was next to me and I was watching the world through tv,change direction of stare and objects ceased to exist (hit a lot of cupboards with my head,and tripped over things)....for me the fix was walking in the kitchen(small safe room),eyes closed,walking to and from objects in my mem after I closed my eyes storing a mental picture....after 2yrs,I walked outside and I was present....not sure anyone can understand unless you've gone through it...great of you to share.

[@TheSteadyCoach]

Great tips! Thank you for sharing!

[@naohen]

Can you be in fight, flight and freeze all at the same time? I deal with panic/anxiety (I can feel it in my body most of the time) but I also have derealization/vision issues at the same time.

[@TheSteadyCoach]

Yes, there isn't always a clear black and white boundary between those states.

[@TomWang]

Great video. So basically high levels of stress and anxiety can cause PPPD? I've been feeling like this for a year now. VRT has helped but I feel like I've plateaued. I really dont' want to to take meds but I don't think I have any other options. Love to get some of your thoughts!

[@TheSteadyCoach]

Yes, but the obvious stressors and anxiety aren’t always the cause. Ultimately if you did have major life stress and anxiety before or while this started, those are worth addressing! I have a video on stress that explains my view a little more thoroughly. kzbin.info/www/bejne/iXyomqGZoNiXec0

[@nicolasp.1087]

Hi Tom, if you could please share, how did it go? Dis you get better? Did you take the meds in the end. I’m in a similar situation only I couldn’t handle them on my first try. Looking forward to your response.

[@queeny4624]

I'm sorry if you have answered these in previous videos, I am slowly catching up on your page. But can we actually get rid of pppd fully? And once it has gone if we can, does it come back? thank you ☺️

[@TheSteadyCoach]

Yep! Check out the Success Stories playlist. And no, in my opinion it does not come back when you've addressed the causes- though it would be completely normal to have symptoms every now and again. I'll have a new success story out later this week and I'm filming a few more this month so stay tuned!

[@queeny4624]

@@TheSteadyCoach thank you for replying! This gives me hope and hopefully alot of others ☺️ will look forward to the videos! Thank you again!

[@charlenesavary8545]

Bonjour docteur Yonit je regarde vos videos tous les jours et merci pour tout j'ai été diagnostiqué par le neurologue pppd la semaine dernière... Vos vidéos me donne de l'espoir est ce que l'on peut rentré en contact malgré la barrière de langue ? Je suis française

[@TheSteadyCoach]

Charlene, oui, il y a quelques francophones dans ma communauté. Si vous le souhaitez, envoyez-moi un courriel à [e-mail] et j'enverrai vos coordonnées à l'une d'entre elles afin qu'elle puisse partager ses expériences!

[@charlenesavary8545]

@@TheSteadyCoach oh super merci beaucoup vous etes extraordinaire merci pour tout ce que vous nous apporter ❤️ que de bienveillance de votre part a nous en s'en sortir

[@Taylor-b5m4g]

Ok but what do we do if we’re really far in depersonalization

[@erikarose6898]

Have you heard of Network Spinal Chiropractic care and if you have… have you heard of it helping people with PPPD or Mal de debarquement ?

[@TheSteadyCoach]

Hi Erika, I think that these kinds of adjustments tend to address the symptoms rather than the emotional/stress source of the symptoms. kzbin.info/www/bejne/qGSmlKatq96frrs

[@crazydrummerofdoom]

In my case,as far as the chicken or the egg situation, it seems like i get the vertigo then fight or flight and then dissasociation. I dont usually feel stressed when i get hit with the vertigo caused by my eyes. So i dont know what the root could be.

[@yktan98]

Dr Yo, thank you for doing all of this. You really are a compassionate person in your mission to help more people. I have been following your videos and completed your free course. I have been trying to use parasympathetic breathing and 5 senses for grounding and I hadn't been very successful. They don't make a noticeable difference. I think grounding is very key to my next step to recovery and picking up things that i would do like exercise and going out more often, to tell the body that things are Okay. Are there other grounding exercises or methods that you might have come across or heard of from your practice or patients' own experiences?

[@TheSteadyCoach]

Hi there, you are so welcome. There are so many tools, and you are not alone- the breathing does not help everyone. You might look up Eric Gentry on KZbin- he teaches 3 self-regulation techniques and a mindfulness technique that might be really helpful for you. We have some differences of opinion re: the importance of exploring past issues (I think that's essential) but he really knows his stuff. I also have an entire course in my membership community with tools for tough times.

[@yendryrojas]

Hi! How are you ?

[@yktan98]

@@yendryrojas I've been good thank you. How are you?

[@yendryrojas]

@@yktan98 I'm glad. your dizziness has improved?

[@yktan98]

@@yendryrojas yes vastly improved even if it's not 100% gone.

[@nmash6835]

What helps

[@TheSteadyCoach]

Ultimately dealing with the cause of the neural circuit dizziness is the remedy but I gave some suggestions in the video on things to do in the moment.

[@arielyaskow7697]

Wow that's awesome that you did this. I developed the dpdr with the bppv, when the bppv was cured, the dpdr still remained. I do notice my anxiety levels are the highest they've ever been in my life, and I'm always terrified the vertigo will come back which makes the dpdr worse lol. I have a really bad sinus cold right now, and I'm so scared the vertigo is going to come back. Or that I'll develop mineries. You're right about the stress.

[@TheSteadyCoach]

Hi Ariel, the dissociation really is one of the most distressing symptoms for people. I am so sorry you’re going through this!

[@arielyaskow7697]

@@TheSteadyCoach is that something working with you can improve as well?

[@TerriEdwards-cn9sz]

Why do you think they prescribe SSRIs sometimes for PPPD?

[@TheSteadyCoach]

SSRIs are anti anxiety medications and anxiety plays a huge role in PPPD. Here's a video on my views on whether people should take them or not: kzbin.info/www/bejne/hH3RhIF5pcqqnpY

[@Skibber]

I love your videos, but could you please minimize the animations in the bottom of the screen. They trigger my dizziness 😵‍💫

[@peanutgallery0142]

There is a certain amount of depression that goes along with all of this...

[@TheSteadyCoach]

Of course, the symptoms are very distressing.

[@josiahbrown3453]

❤️