How Can I Help My Child Manage Dizziness?

We’ve covered strategies to manage panic and nausea—now it’s time to move onto dizziness. Dizziness is inherently disorienting. For many teens, it is one of the more frightening anxiety-related physical symptoms. Here are a few strategies for taking control of dizziness when it arises:

  1. 5-4-3-2-1 grounding exercise: Look around you. Identify 5 things you see, 4 things you can touch, 3 things you hear, 2 things you smell, and 1 thing you can taste.

  2. 4-7-8 breathing exercise: Breathe in for 4 seconds, hold your breath for 7 seconds, and breathe out for 8 seconds.

  3. Place an ice pack on the back of your neck and/or forehead for a few minutes. If you are out of the house, you can use cold packs, which hand-activated (no freezing necessary!).

  4. Splash cold water on your face. Ensure that you are hydrating well, eating consistently, and getting enough sleep.

Next week: strategies to manage headaches.

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I provide therapy for tweens, teens, and young adults who struggle with anxiety, intense emotions, and substance use. Learn more about my approach to treatment, and schedule a consult call to see if I am a good fit to work with your family.

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How Can I Help My Child Manage Nausea?