Navigating Life with Vestibular Hypo function. One Day at a Time

Some days, I get in my car, drive down the street, and feel like myself again. Other days, I wake up and the world tilts, like I’m standing on a boat in choppy waters, unsure if I can even trust my own balance. These are the moments when vestibular hypofunction becomes more than just dizziness, it becomes the quiet force shaping what I can and can’t do.

The Good Days

On the good days, there’s a feeling of control. My body tries to cooperate, the ground feels solid beneath me, and I can run errands without second-guessing every movement. I can glance around a store, drive short distances, and even enjoy small wins, like standing in the kitchen without feeling like I’m floating. These days remind me that I’m capable, and that this condition doesn’t define me.

The Tough Days

Then there are the bad days, and granted, I have many, where just turning my head too quickly can send a wave of dizziness crashing over me. Where staying home feels like the only option because navigating the world outside is just too overwhelming. Anxiety creeps in, not just from the physical discomfort but from the unpredictability of it all. How long will this episode last? Will tomorrow be better?

Vestibular hypo function isn’t just about balance, it’s about adapting, learning to listen to my body, and finding ways to ground myself when the world feels unsteady. Some days, that means pushing forward, and other days, it means giving myself permission to rest. Meditation is my go to, my peace within the chaos, my escape from the noise and confusion.

If you’ve felt this way too, know that you’re not alone. There’s a rhythm to this condition, even when it feels unpredictable. And through it all, you keep moving, one step at a time.

What helps you stay grounded on the bad days?