topic Balance issues just from anxiety? in Anxiety

Balance issues just from anxiety?

T26 — Wed, 07 Dec 2016 04:30:25 GMT

Hi,

This is my first time posting on here so I'm not sure if I'm in the right spot but hopefully I am!

I have suffered from anxiety for years, as a teen I had depression and anxiety and really bad OCD. So I'm pretty use to all the things that come with it and I know how powerful the mind can be over the body and the symptoms you feel but over the past 2 years I have developed a symptom that is hard to believe is all from my anxiety. I developed a panic disorder around 2 years ago and at the same time I was incredibly dizzy and off balance. It's hard to say if the panic came as a result of the dizziness or the other way around but it has been pretty constant over the past 2 years and today I just saw my 2nd ENT who told me that my inner ear ect is fine so there's nothing they can do to help me. That's great obviously but it doesn't help that I constantly feel like I have just gotten off a boat or like I'm falling over when I'm standing still!

i have a young child and I can't even play with him which breaks my heart. When I feel dizzy I do panic more which I know is a vicious cycle but I just find it hard to see how all day constant off balance feelings can be from that. I know when I have a panic attack or when I breathe too fast I either feel light headed or like I will faint but this is different.

I guess I'm just looking for personal experience from others who might have felt this horrible symptom of anxiety. My panic is related a lot around health so of course when my body feels terrible it's not a fun time for me! So if anyone has any tips to overcome it that would also be amazing!

Thanks 🙂

Balance issues just from anxiety?

Nikkir — Wed, 07 Dec 2016 04:48:18 GMT

Hi T26,

and welcome to BB, thank you for reaching out we are so happy to hear from you. I am so sorry to hear that things have been difficult for you and that you have suffered so much and continue to find life hard, even the simple things like playing with your child. I really feel for you and hope that life and your health improves. You can always reach out to our DR Kim on Beyond Blue or get a 2nd opinion and referrals from our line 1300 22 4636. I can relate to Anxiety and I cared for a person with OCD and panic attacks and it was heartbreaking to watch. To be honest I know this sounds a bit simple but have you tried yoga? not all yoga because when I have felt anxious breathing practices really irritate me but I always feel better after yoga because my body and breath and mind is all one and it makes me centred. Other than that swimming, walking in nature and good healthy foods. I know you are suffering so much but sometimes the little things we do can make so much of a difference:) Honestly though people say yoga has saved them from depression and anxiety so I don't know how you feel about that? For me, i try to get out everyday and start the day with a positive practice or affirmation and then I get out and get a coffee or walk because otherwise my mind races and its awful. Do you have support ? I hope that you will let us know how you go if you can or if there is anything we can do to help you? Best Wishes Nikkkir x

Balance issues just from anxiety?

CheeseSlices — Wed, 07 Dec 2016 05:29:28 GMT

Doctors are VERY quick to dismiss if you have a history of Anxiety. How is your back? Have you got any pain or anything that would indicate this is more than 'simple' panic? I suffered for far too long because no one would listen. And the medication they were giving me made it far far worse. (Falling and balance issues is a side effect of many medications. The effect on my CNS was catastrophic).

Perhaps keep a list of all other symptoms. Do you sweat? Do you feel nauseous? Do you twitch? Is there any pain (anywhere)? Does it hit on a cycle or completely random? Does exercise make it better or worse? Is it s standing blood pressure problem? How is your eye sight? These are sample questions to ask. There will be answers eventually, but when you have a mental health diagnosis, doctors are unlikely to take you seriously unless you present them with recorded facts and your own observations. Goodluck. Cant be easy with a child!

Balance issues just from anxiety?

ci — Wed, 07 Dec 2016 05:30:39 GMT

Hi t26

I don't have magic answer for you wish I did but i do relate to you and I felt from your post that maybe my story would help you.

I to have ocd and kids it's a hard believe me I know! over the last few years I have suffered facial numbness arm and leg aswell and dizziness.

I know when really anxious really bad ocd numbness and dizziness is normal side effect but this feels different to that. and many times comes when I'm not anxious there are list of symptoms I've been getting and my doc has just sent me off to specialist because she to thinking it's more than anxiety. But for years I've gone in to docs mentioned some of my symptoms and always put down to my ocd.

Not sure about you but what I've found frustrating is always seems easiest to blame ocd like we don't know what we talking about.

My advice trust your self if you think something not right. Have you had mri for the dizziness. I had to have few found few issues with my sinus.

Do you have support around you you mentioned ocd bad at the moment has something changed or do you feel it's the frustration of what's going on that making the ocd bad?

Balance issues just from anxiety?

pipsy — Wed, 07 Dec 2016 05:54:13 GMT

Hi T26. Have you ever had a balance test? Perhaps ask your Dr about arranging one. You may have Vertigo which would explain the dizziness and feeling of falling over you're experiencing. Do you feel nauseas when the dizziness comes on. It may also be blood pressure. I suggest you get to your Dr and ask him to do some tests for Vertigo, b.p etc. When you are constantly feeling dizzy and scared to interact with your son, it's scary and depressing. Once the Dr determines from tests what the problem is, he will then be able to help you. Can I ask how your diet is, if you are skipping meals, the dizziness could be a result of hunger.

Lynda

Balance issues just from anxiety?

amy-lee-keasler — Wed, 07 Dec 2016 16:27:37 GMT

I had the exact same thing happen to me but i didnt know what it was. it turned out to be a symptom of anxiety and a panic disorder which i was later diagnosed with. it took months of therapy and other things like diet changes and relaxation teqniques before the dizziness went away. i was also told i had adrenal fatigue which you might want to look up because it is also directly correlated with anxiety and panic disorders .

Balance issues just from anxiety?

mermaidgirl — Thu, 08 Dec 2016 03:31:08 GMT

I can totally relate to the off balance feeling you are having. I have anxiety which I am sure has stemmed from a bout of vertigo 2 years ago. Since then I have an overall feeling like I am rocking on a boat, being pulled to one side, dizziness type feeling. It's not very nice at all! I have been told it's all symptoms of anxiety too. I don't really have advice for you as I am going through the same thing but I just want you to know you are not alone in this feeling!

Balance issues just from anxiety?

T26 — Thu, 08 Dec 2016 11:12:22 GMT

Thank you for your reply! That's exactly how I feel! If I'm standing I feel like I'm falling to one side ect. It's horrible 😞 thank you for letting me know I'm not the only one feeling this way just from anxiety! It's reassuring that maybe if I can get a handle on my anxiety I'll get a handle on the dizziness too. I hope you find some relief from yours also.

Balance issues just from anxiety?

T26 — Thu, 08 Dec 2016 11:21:40 GMT

Hi Nikkir,

Thank you so much for your reply and kind words.

I have definitely had to suffer through a lot over the years and it is getting a bit exhausting feeling like it never ends! One mental condition takes over the other.

I haven't tried yoga but that does sound like a great thing to try. I'm not very flexible but I guess that's something you can learn! I definitely know I need to improve my diet and start to exercise. The past 2 days I have done a 30 minute walk at the beach which I actually felt better while doing! It didn't last though and I felt my panic back straight after and exercise is hard when I'm so dizzy but I know I need to push and try.

I think I'll definitely have a look at what else beyond blue has that might help me overcome this horrible panic disorder. Thanks heaps again for taking the time to reply x

Balance issues just from anxiety?

T26 — Thu, 08 Dec 2016 11:30:43 GMT

Hi cheese slices,
Thank you for your reply.

Doctors definitely are quick to dismiss you as soon as they know you have anxiety and that's what makes me so worried they are missing something. I have spent years before going to the doctor about a different issues and they kept telling me it was my anxiety. Turns out it wasn't tho and I had something really wrong with me so now that feeds my panic that that'll happen again and this time it being related to my head makes me more worried.

I have come up with so many different ideas of what it might be (thanks dr Google!) I do have a bad neck (thanks to tight muscles from tension from my anxiety) but I see an osteo every 2 weeks so that should help that. I have a bad back also and migraines which could cause the dizziness but the dizziness just seems to outlasts all the other things. Like migraines can cause dizziness but even when I'm migraine free it's there. Blood pressure also seems ok (I check it myself regularly when I feel light headed from my panic attacks)
Thank you for your advice tho! I will definitely take closer note of the other symptoms and keep trying to put the puzzle together. It's definitely not easy 😞

Balance issues just from anxiety?

T26 — Thu, 08 Dec 2016 11:34:05 GMT

Thanks for your reply!

Knowing you've experienced the same thing gives me hope that it is just anxiety and that there is a way to be free of it!

I just looked up adrenal fatigue and I have all of the symptoms! Might have to look into it more.

I am glad you found relief and I'm hoping that if I can start making some diet changes and starting to overcome the anxiety that I'll also be able to get rid of it for good! Thanks again

Balance issues just from anxiety?

T26 — Thu, 08 Dec 2016 11:38:45 GMT

Hi Lynda,
Thanks for your reply.

I have had lots of tests, some doctors say vertigo some say not. Sometimes it fits the description of vertigo and sometimes it doesn't. Blood pressure also seems ok. I haven't had a proper balance test tho I don't think? But then when they do check my balance I'm all over the place. Diet is good too. If anything I probably eat too much! Don't skip meals tho and when I do get low sugars the feeling from that is much different.
Thank you for all of your suggestions tho.

Balance issues just from anxiety?

T26 — Thu, 08 Dec 2016 11:46:18 GMT

Hi ci,

Thanks for your reply.

That sounds horribly scary! I'm glad your seeing a specialist now and hopefully they can put a stop to what your experiencing. That kind of stuff would send me into a mad panic!

Doctors definitely do find it easier to dismiss everything on OCD/anxiety/panic ect and it's so frustrating!

I have had an MRI and apparently everything looks normal which is great! But it still leaves me no where.

I do have support, I'm lucky to have an amazing husband who is super supportive. I am pretty sure it's the frustration of what's going on with the dizziness that's making the panic worse. The days when the dizziness isn't as bad I'm a lot happier!
I feel like such a burden on my son and Husband it's horrible.

Balance issues just from anxiety?

ci — Thu, 08 Dec 2016 21:33:03 GMT

The feeling of being a burden is horrible I'm sorry you feel that your husband and son sound like they love you so much and are great support remember that you do so much for them as well and family is all about supporting and helping each other your not a burden.

I hope things improve for you soon

Balance issues just from anxiety?

Steggles — Sat, 19 May 2018 04:22:58 GMT

Hi all,

I am currently going through this anxiety fueled dizziness and its horrible, did anyone overcome this nightmare?

Balance issues just from anxiety?

Tgirll — Sat, 19 May 2018 07:42:25 GMT

Hello

As an anxiety sufferer (diagnosed with GAD, severe OCD as a child) I have experienced dizzy like symptoms. Particularly during panic and they totally suck! My anxiety has always been triggered from health related stuff so I understand how hard it can be when you feel a physical symptom to stop yourself from going into an all out anxiety frenzy. I am also a nurse though and do try and look at things objectively.

Doctors can be great but some are a little to quick to dismiss things if a patient does have a history of anxiety (as dizziness is an extremely common symptom of anxiety). What sort of tests have you done? Have you done general blood tests with FBE, checking your iron, Haemoglobin, thyroid etc. Have you done an MRI, have you seen a cardiologist and done a stress test, have you had a respiratory assessment? Do you suffer from asthma, had blood pressure readings. Those are probably the main things to check. What makes your dizziness worse? What makes it better, lying down, walking etc? Have you had it in the past? Are there medications which could be causing? Do you see an Optomotrist and wear glasses or contacts? You don't have to give me answers to these questions but may be good to give that info to your doc and any other symptoms you may have. Don't be afraid to go and get another opinion from another health professional also.

I went through months of very intense dizziness, which was completely horrible and came out of nowhere and at a period where my anxiety was the best it had been for years. It freaked me out. Did some general tests and all was "ok". It hung around for months but I tried to implement things to help me not panic about it. It did help but it was definitely still there. This could be very well related to your anxiety but it's always best to confirm that there isn't an underlying cause that can be treated first.

Best of luck. Let me know if you have any questions or anything 🙂

Balance issues just from anxiety?

Steggles — Sat, 19 May 2018 22:40:41 GMT

I have done an MRI of the brain, basic blood test, eyes were tested, ENT tests all came back "Normal", I did a stress test a few years ago but recently had a 24 holter monitor on and everything was fine. I Have had anxiety for about 8 years and attacks on and off and i have had what feels like tension in my upper back and traps, doctors keep saying its just anxiety but i dont know how anxiety can cause this drunk weird feeling i get.. I have tried to pin point what brings it on but i cant, sometimes its by moving the head other times it can just be from eye movements.. its so weird and awful

Balance issues just from anxiety?

Tgirll — Sun, 20 May 2018 03:38:05 GMT

It sounds like they have done quite a thorough check which is good. You can always go for other tests but generally with all the tests they've done, if it was something physical it would've more than likely showed a sign on one of those tests.

Can you please try and describe the feeling to me? I noticed you've said it's like a dizzy drunk feeling. I've had something like That, very intense and scary and lasted for years. I still have it now but more so mildly (after having it intensely for almost a year). It can be something that is common in panic and anxiety sufferers, even depression. The way it is described by people can be subjective. Look up derealisation. For me it's like I feel like things around me aren't real (even though I know they are), like I'm in a surreal dreamlike state and I get episodes of bad dizziness, a lot of the times where I've felt like I was going to faint and have had to sit on the ground and lean against something. This feeling comes and lingers for me after a massive panic attack. The feeling and the dizziness triggers my health anxiety and panic even more and it I'm stuck in a vicious cycle.

Balance issues just from anxiety?

Steggles — Sun, 20 May 2018 04:30:29 GMT

It started as a weird feeling as if my stomach would drop and i would get a very quick feeling that i could faint, when i say quick i mean like literally 1 second but then it would make me anxious or even panic sometimes, then it just stayed one day and it felt like i had it constantly and would only come with certain movements and its still like that 2 months later but im just a little less anxious from having all the tests done. So the feeling now is like im drunk or on a boat but its not constant it comes on when im walking and i turn my head especially in shopping centres and in certain lighting. So yeah the room doesn't spin or anything but i feel unbalanced or drunk.. Doctors say its just anxiety but something tells me its not.

Balance issues just from anxiety?

stroppytom — Tue, 22 May 2018 18:39:27 GMT

Get your ears checked by a good ENT specialist. You could be suffering Meniere's Syndrome without realising it. High or low blood pressure can also drive Syncope (dizziness and fainting). If your GP has already written you off as an "anxiety case" then go and see a different GP. Don't give too much away as regards your anxiety...just give him/her the facts about your symptoms. Go from there.