My symptoms have progressively worsened over the past two weeks, spiraling into a familiar tailspin. It started with a hopeful, excited car ride to my sister’s on Thanksgiving Day to celebrate with her family and my mom. What is routine for everyone else awakens my sleeping giant—a vestibular disorder—and ignites a self-defeating battle.
It’s not just the constant headache—my unwanted companion—or the nausea and dizziness. It’s the guilt I feel, blaming myself for my declining health in these tailspins, as if it’s somehow my fault. This isn’t something I typically share. I keep it to myself, holding my chin up and minimizing complaints. After all, complaining doesn’t fix my head, and who wants to be around someone who complains all the time?
But despite this internal brawl, I press on with my commitment to recover out loud, allowing my pain to have a purpose: to help others. If I can’t use this experience to support others suffering from invisible disorders, then what is it all for? This is my purpose—to make a difference for those who need to know they’re not alone.
Listen wherever you get your podcasts and YouTube.
Visit me at recoverydailypodcast.com or email me at rachel@recoverydailypodcast.com.
#VestibularDisorder #ChronicIllness #InvisibleDisabilities #RecoveryJourney #MentalHealthMatters #OvercomingStruggles #SelfCompassion #HealingOutLoud #SupportAndAwareness #LivingWithChronicPain
