Vestibular disorders are unpleasant enough to live with, but the lack of empathy from others can be devastating. It is difficult for others to understand just how debilitating chronic imbalance or dizziness can be. Share the resources below with family, friends, neighbours and co-workers to help them understand what you are going through.

But You Don't Look Sick
Blog post by one of our members who is also a Board member, volunteer and our Webmaster. This is how vertigo sufferers feel and how you can help!

The Spoon Theory
Read Christine Miserandino’s personal story and analogy of what it is like to live with Lupus. Everything she talks about relates to vestibular sufferers – we, too, have a hidden disability. The Spoon Theory is helpful for anyone with a hidden disability to explain how they feel to their family and friends. The website no longer seems to be available, but we have a copy of the article as a PDF for you to read here.

To Family and Friends of Those with Balance and Dizziness Disorders
Heartfelt plea for understanding written by Muriel Kauffmann, co-founder of BC Balance and Dizziness Disorders Society.

"What is Wrong with You?" (You Look Fine to Me!) [YouTube]
View a presentation by neurophysiologist Art Mallinson, PhD, directed at friends and family to help them understand why those with balance and dizziness disorders can look so good when they feel so unwell. Read a summary of the presentation.

Books

Most of the titles listed are available for loan through public libraries in BC. If your local library does not own a copy, ask for it to be sent from another library through interlibrary loan.

But You LOOK Good: How to Encourage and Understand People Living With Illness and Pain by Wayne Connell and Sherri Connell (2014)
A convenient, informative way to educated loved ones about what people living with ongoing illness struggle with, fight for and need from their friends and family.

When Someone You Love Has a Chronic Illness: Help and Help for Those Providing Support by Tamara McClintock Greenburg (2012)
Dr. Greenburg offers hope and practical advice to those impacted by a loved one's chronic illness. Providing easy-to-understand explanations for complicated feelings and behaviour, this book will help you not just cope, but thrive in your day-to-day live.