Today, I’m sharing a bit more about my own journey with Ménière’s Disease.
For those who may not be familiar, Ménière’s is a disorder of the inner ear that causes vertigo, tinnitus, hearing loss, and a feeling of fullness in the ear. It can affect your balance, cause brain fog, and even leave you feeling disconnected from the world. The hardest part? It’s invisible. To the outside world, you look fine, which can make explaining your struggles even more difficult.
Living with Ménière’s has its challenges—episodes that make it impossible to walk or drive, ongoing frustration with balance, and hearing comments like “Are you drunk?” when you’re struggling. But the real toll goes beyond the physical symptoms. It affects your mental health, relationships, and your sense of self.
Mental Health: The unpredictability of episodes often leads to anxiety and depression. You start to fear things you once loved—socializing, traveling, even errands—because you never know when the next flare-up will hit.
Relationships: This condition isn’t just yours to bear; it affects those around you, too. You may feel like a burden for canceling plans or needing extra support, and it can be isolating. Open communication and grace are key to navigating these challenges.
Sense of Self: It’s easy to lose sight of who you are when illness takes away things you loved—whether it’s physical activity or a career you once thrived in. It’s been a process of rediscovering my worth, outside of what I can do on any given day.
The Invisible Struggle: People often say, “You look great! You must be feeling better!” while you’re internally battling brain fog, exhaustion, and vertigo. Those comments, while well-meaning, can hurt because they minimize your experience.
But here’s what I’ve learned: Ménière’s Disease doesn’t define me. Yes, it has shaped my life, but it’s also taught me valuable lessons. It forced me to slow down, let go of perfectionism, and ask for help—things I never thought I’d need to do. It prompted me to repurpose my life, to find new purpose, and to start this podcast to connect with others on similar journeys.
So, how can we embrace our journeys? Here are a few things that have helped me:
- Acceptance: Acknowledge the reality of your situation, even if you don’t like it. This is the first step toward moving forward.
- Celebrate Small Wins: Whether it’s a day without vertigo or finding a routine that helps, these victories matter.
- Build a Support System: Surround yourself with people who lift you up—family, friends, or online communities who understand.
- Find Purpose: Shift your focus from “Why me?” to “How can I grow through this?” Purpose can be found in the small things.
- Faith and Resilience: My faith has been a constant anchor. Trust that there is a bigger plan, even in the chaos.
Living with a chronic illness isn’t easy, but you’re not alone. Your journey is unique, but there are people who understand and want to support you. Remember: A chronic condition may be a chapter, but it’s not the entire book. You are more than your diagnosis—your dreams, passions, and purpose are still unfolding.
Thank you so much for stopping by today. I’d love to hear your story—connect with me on social media @RepurposeJourney or visit www.repurposejourney.com. Until next time, keep embracing your journey!
