Ménière’s disease doesn’t only affect you physically.
The symptoms of this condition can impact negatively on all facets of
your life including employment, family relationships, sporting and social
activities.This in turn can undermine your psychological well-being -
your confidence, self-esteem and sense of independence.
Most people diagnosed with Ménière’s experience a
prolonged process of psychological adjustment before coming to terms with
their condition. The various phases in this process are outlined below.
Phase 1: Denial
This may be the longest phase if attacks of symptoms are infrequent.
During this early phase you may:
- deny - to yourself and others (excuses) - difficulties caused by
Ménière’s
- harbour fearful thoughts
- lose confidence and self esteem
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Phase 2:
Anger
As the disease progresses you may:
- experience feelings of anger, resentment and frustration –
‘why me?’
- acknowledge but not yet accept the diagnosis of Ménière’s
- blame others and doubt their ability to help
- feel overwhelmed and confused
Professional and family support is vital during this phase.
Phase 3:
Bargaining
During this phase you may still not accept the impact of Ménière’s
on your life:
- You may make bargains with yourself to ‘fix’ the condition
so life will return to normal e.g. stop smoking, lose weight, change
your diet, try alternative treatments.
- When these actions have no major effect your reactions may alternate
between anger and more bargaining.
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Phase 4:
Depression
This is generally the lowest point in the process of adjustment. Internalised
anger can lead you to:
- withdraw from life
- suffer disrupted sleep and eating patterns
- experience emotional disturbances
- focus on loss and feel negative
- feel that life is not worth living
Phase 5:
Resolution and acceptance
Gradually, through a process of self-questioning, feelings of anger,
frustration and denial are resolved and you become more hopeful and positive:
- You begin to accept the diagnosis and understand what living with
Ménière’s entails.
- You recognise and accept your own limitations, understand what triggers
vertigo attacks etc.
- You realise that YOU must take control ie. make decisions and follow
through with action.
- You implement coping strategies eg wear a hearing aid, join a support
group, undertake balance rehabilitation, seek out more information.
- You re-evaluate priorities so that you take care of yourself.
- You understand and meet your own needs.
- You regain independence, strength and the ability to lead a fulfilling
life.
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Last reviewed Dec 2006
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