Yesterday was normal. You woke up, drove to work, had a few drinks with friends during happy hour, cooked dinner, watched your favorite TV show and then went to sleep.

Never in a million years would you think that a “normal day” would be something that could be taken for granted until you lose the ability to function, well, normally.

Anyone who has been diagnosed with a vestibular disorder, or frankly any chronic illness, has mourned for their old life in some form or another because life as you knew it is forever changed.

This was me. When I first got sick, I was so anxious and would cry because I thought I could never drive again, hang out with my friends or leave my house, but with anything traumatic that happens, there are ways to cope and learn how to adjust to the challenges you experience.

1. Find Answers

If you are dizzy and have been through the process of CT scans, MRIs, etc. and your General Practitioner has ruled out anything serious like cancer but still has no clue – keep searching. I went through several doctors before I found my vestibular neurologist who could give me firm answers on my diagnosis.

You might have to visit a General Practitioner, ER Doc, ENT, Neurologist, Headache Specialist, etc., but having a correct diagnosis is the first step in coping with your illness. If you have no idea what’s causing you to feel dizzy, of course you’re going to have a hard time coping. Who wouldn’t?

And if you find a doctor who scoffs at your symptoms and claims that this is “just all in your head,” don’t give up. I had one doctor who told me it was something “psychologically” going on and not “physical.”

I remember leaving her office ANGRY because I knew this wasn’t “in my head,” even though I felt like I was losing my mind. Vestibular Migraines is still so new in the medical community that many aren’t sure how to even diagnosis it.

Don’t give up! There are doctors out there who treat vestibular disorders; many which can be found here.

2. Consider Counseling

I get questions daily from my readers about how I’m able to function and seem “normal.” Honestly, I credit SO much of that to my counselor. I was in such a state of distress when I first was diagnosed that I didn’t know if my life would ever be the same again.

The turnaround in my attitude was when my counselor told me it was okay to mourn my “old life” but that I needed to accept that this was my “new normal.”

She forced me to get out there and go do the things I loved but with the limitations that made me feel comfortable with my illness. If I wanted to go out for dinner, pick a place that had darker lighting and less noise. If I had to travel for work, it was my job to find a room where I could take a breather to center myself if I got too dizzy.

I can’t express enough that counseling saved my life. Having someone to hold your hand while you go through something terrifying and whose only job is to help you to feel like you again is imperative to your recovery.

3. Join A Support Community

Your family and friends love you, but unless they’re feeling like they’re on a never-ending merry-go-round, they don’t get it. There are several support groups out there that can help fill the gap of feeling alone.

Plus, many offer tips and tricks on what’s working for them, which might help you to become more proactive in getting your illness handled. Beyond that, just being able to vent and have the attention of others who sympathize is a huge boost in and of itself.

I didn’t even know online support groups existed until about 5 months into my illness, and I will never forget the wave of relief I felt when I realized I wasn’t the only one.

Here are a few on Facebook to check out:

Migraine Associated Vertigo (Dizziness)

Vestibular Hope

4. Be Proactive With Your Care

Yes, your doctor may be trying medications to help manage your disorder, but don’t stop there. View your doctor as your partner in this journey. It’s your responsibility to try the medications they offer but also continue to see what works for you.

Feel worse after drinking or after eating processed foods? Try things like the Heal Your Headache diet to see if that makes a difference.

Feel awful under bright lights? Find glasses that block irritating light that makes you dizzier.

There are several things you can do to manage your disorder that your doctor might not think to suggest.

5. Prioritize Self-Care

When being diagnosed with a chronic illness like vestibular migraines, it’s easy to find yourself in a dark hole in your bedroom. Depression caused from a chronic condition can keep you from pursuing a healthy lifestyle and make you feel worthless. (If your depression is reoccurring, please consult your doctor.)

Instead, try and find practices that help you feel more at peace like scheduling a massage, take a yoga class, try meditation, go on a walk or just vent to a friend about how badly it sucks to be dizzy.

Self-care can come in many forms, but it’s important to combat the natural feelings of despair by doing things that make you feel at ease.

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I know it’s difficult to think that you can’t live the rest of your life this way, but after some time, you will learn how strong and resilient you can be by dealing with your chronic illness.

Yes, it’s hard to accept that this is your “new normal,” but if you can get together a coping plan, you’re off to a great start to feeling more like yourself!