Is Anxiety from COVID-19 causing dizziness? Good question. Dizziness is a common symptom for people with inner ear disorders, and when a person is stressed out or anxious due to the COVID-19 crisis, their symptoms can increase. It is a pretty normal human reaction during these uncertain times to feel anxious. COVID-19 has caused loss of income for many, changes in our normal routines, isolation from our normal human interactions while we shelter in place, and tragically for many the loss of a loved one. Many people are fighting to take care of their families, and this strain is even worse when someone they love becomes ill with the virus. All of these things can cause anxiety, and anxiety can make inner ear symptoms seem worse… You can learn more about anxiety and inner ear disorders from this previous article: https://equinoxphysicaltherapy.com/2014/01/why-is-my-inner-ear-problem-making-me-so-emotional-and-anxious/
There is something you can do to feel less dizzy!
The number one answer is, do your home exercises! VOR exercises and standing balance exercises are the perfect “medicine” to treat your dizziness. For many, sheltering in place has created more time on one’s hands, and this is the perfect opportunity to jump start, or restart, your home exercises. These exercises force the brain to practice using inner ear balance information. Here are links to information on how to do these exercises. https://equinoxphysicaltherapy.com/2018/04/what-are-balance-exercises/ https://equinoxphysicaltherapy.com/2016/05/vor-exercises-for-dizziness-and-balance-problems/
Doing your exercises will not only help to diminish or eliminate your symptoms, it will also help you feel that you are in control and have the power to create positive change. That in turn will help to decrease feelings of anxiety or helplessness.
Find ways to decrease anxiety and relax during COVID-19
If your answer to this question, “Is Anxiety from COVID-19 causing dizziness?” is yes, then finding ways to relax during COVID-19 will decrease your symptoms. Do you remember the things you used to do to relax before this pandemic? Can you think of things that you always told yourself you would enjoy doing if you only had more time? Adding more of these activities into your day would be a great way to help yourself physically and mentally.
Some of my favorite relaxing activities include going for a walk with my dog, gardening, reading a book, or cooking a nice meal. I also enjoy listening to music, or turning the radio on and dancing to my favorite tunes. What could you do at home to make yourself feel better? Meditation is great for stress release. Yoga or Tai Chi are also great…
If your anxiety becomes too intense to manage, call a mental health provider in your area. They could help you over the phone or with telehealth. They could offer you good advice and even more ideas than the ones I’ve mentioned!
The last thing to keep in mind during COVID-19 is that we are all in this together. Do not be afraid. Even when we are sheltering in place with very little contact with others, we are not alone. We are loved and one day soon this will be behind us.
*1919. The Alarm, oil painting on canvas by Kuzma Petrov-Vodkin, 1934
