Recurring Migraines, Dizziness, and Nausea: Could My Behaviors Be the Cause?
For about two years, I (16 and assigned female at birth) have developed a habit of shaking my head aggressively from side to side, which seems to be somewhat of a compulsion. I engage in this behavior whenever I enter or exit my bedroom, leave the house, or when someone walks near me, particularly around my younger sister or children in general. Our mother has been quite neglectful; my siblings and I were bathed together until we were around 6 or 8 years old, and we were never properly instructed on personal hygiene, such as cleaning ourselves or brushing our teeth. I recall only receiving baths once every one to two weeks, and this was often forgotten by my mother. Additionally, I would frequently avoid baths because of discomfort related to trauma connected to being naked. Consequently, my sister has an unpleasant odor that I find difficult to tolerate, and I tend to keep my distance. The upstairs area of our home is particularly offensive. If my sister gets too close to me or if I have to leave my sanctuary shortly after she has passed through, I instinctively hold my breath. Upon returning to my room, I compulsively shake my head in an attempt to dispel the sensation of bugs crawling on my skin, which can last up to a minute. This habit has caused me to unconsciously limit my breathing, resulting in shallow breaths that make normal breathing feel challenging. I have even come close to fainting multiple times, especially in confinement like the bathroom or car when my sister is present. Since adopting these behaviors, I have been experiencing ongoing nausea, frequent migraines, and dizziness. I have low iron levels and previously took iron supplements, but I ceased their use due to persistent dizziness. After stopping, I noticed an increase in dizziness for a few days, though it has since improved. I'm concerned whether my actions are leading to these health issues and if there might be lasting effects on my well-being.
Answers (1)
4/1/2025, 10:50:37 PM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds like you're dealing with several interrelated issues, including compulsive behaviors and physical symptoms like migraines, dizziness, and nausea. Your habits, particularly the head-shaking and shallow breathing, alongside the strong emotional triggers related to your sister and living conditions, could potentially be contributing to your discomfort. Let's address your concerns step-by-step.
Understanding Your Symptoms
The symptoms you described—dizziness, nausea, and migraines—can stem from multiple factors, including anxiety or stress responses, physiological reactions to your environment, or even the physical effects of limited airflow due to shallow breathing. Engaging in compulsive actions, like head-shaking, may lead to or worsen feelings of dizziness, especially if they affect your breathing pattern.
Immediate Steps to Take
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Breathing Exercises: Focus on deep breathing techniques to counter shallow breathing. Practice inhaling deeply through your nose for a count of four, holding for four, and then exhaling through your mouth for a count of four. Doing this for just a few minutes a few times a day can help regulate your breathing and reduce dizziness.
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Monitor Your Triggers: Keep a diary of when you experience dizziness, nausea, and headaches. Note what you were doing, how you were feeling, and any environmental factors (like your sister's proximity or specific locations in your home). This can help identify patterns and potential triggers.
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Establish a Routine: Create a personalized self-care routine that includes regular personal hygiene and wellness practices. Even small, consistent actions (like daily washing and using deodorant) can help improve your comfort around your sister and in your environment.
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Iron Supplementation Awareness: Consider discussing your low iron levels with a healthcare provider. It’s important to be careful with supplements and monitor your symptoms if you choose to resume them. Low iron can cause dizziness and fatigue.
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Limit Stressors: When possible, try to minimize your exposure to stressful situations, such as being in close proximity to your sister if it causes you distress. Establish a safe space for yourself where you can practice relaxation techniques.
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Gradual Exposure: If the proximity to your sister is particularly distressing, consider gradually increasing your comfort level. This can involve short periods of time where you consciously practice being near her while employing deep breathing techniques to manage anxiety.
Follow-Up
If symptoms persist or worsen, or if you find it increasingly difficult to manage your emotional responses and compulsions, please reach out to a professional who specializes in anxiety, compulsive behaviors, or similar areas. They can provide strategies tailored to your needs and help you navigate these challenges.
It's commendable that you're seeking solutions for your well-being. Taking these steps can help you find relief and improve your overall quality of life.
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