Anyone experienced unsteadiness/dizziness with stress/anxiety

[Loftyideas77]

I'm working through my anxiety issues and am having CBT at the moment. This symptom has me a little bit beat though. It can very quickly come over me, usually if out shopping or if stood around talking to people. Even just at home actually! Anyway, my legs can get to the stage that they feel so weak that it feels like they will collapse from under me. I want to stop avoiding these situations but haven't quite got that belief that I won't faint/collapse and it's just anxiety etc. Can anyone relate to this?

I can. It's horrible.

Something I learned from CBT is rationalising your symptoms. It's very unlikely you'll faint from anxiety, as it's an increase in blood pressure/heart rate/breathing rate - with fight or flight, it is an extreme disadvantage to you to pass out! So it is very unlikely to happen.

Also, have you ever fainted when you've felt dizzy from anxiety before? Chances are the answer will be no. So why should it start happening now?

Concentrate on your breathing and slow it down (I'm sure you've been told how during your CBT sessions). Also, have you been told about grounding techniques? Concentrate on the feeling of your feet on the ground, or if you're sitting down, your bottom on the chair as well.

The dizziness will always pass. Distract yourself, think positively, and remember to breathe!