In the newest episode of the ICU - "I See You" podcast, guests Jen Warner and Joy Mohr join the hosts to discuss how having a vestibular disorder affects personal relationships. It can be hard to relate to another person’s experience. This is especially true for people struggling with vestibular impairment because the symptoms are invisible and unpredictable. But, these disorders affect not only the people who are afflicted but their families as well. This episode discusses how to educate others about our experience and communicate our needs. 

This podcast is a co-production of the Vestibular Disorders Association (VeDA) and Unfixed Media. https://unfixedmedia.com/

About the Guests:

Joy Mohr’s nightmare began March 2018 after a week long family vacation on a cruise ship. After a week of being home, she knew something was wrong when her "land legs" didn't return and was beyond exhausted. She wasn't bouncing back fresh and rejuvenated from a week off the grind in the Caribbean as she had from prior cruises. As a healthcare provider she researched the possibilities and started making appointments with ENTs and neurologists. She had a list of working diagnoses for over one year and saw many specialists before she was able to get definitive answers. She was first diagnosed with MdDS. During the first year of having MdDS, an invisible disorder, life threw her multiple curve balls increasing stress which led to vestibular migraines, tinnitus, and hyperacusis. The MdDS symptoms wax and wane. She now falls somewhere in the MdDS/PPPD loop given the day, weather, and personal activities.

Jennifer (Jen) Warner an Illinois, Washington, Oregon, and New York State licensed clinical social worker and psychotherapist with advanced training and certification in trauma-informed care and the treatment of trauma, as well as holistic health and nutrition. She currently specializes in working with individuals living with traumatic stress related to complex chronic illness including but not limited to vestibular disorders, migraine, Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome, and dysautonomia/POTS. As a person who also lives with these conditions, Jen is committed to growing understanding of chronic illness as a trauma and the need for implementing trauma-informed care within organizations that serve this population and their caregivers. Jen currently lives in Chicago with her wife where she maintains a private psychotherapy and consulting practice and continues to see clients remotely across the country. https://www.instagram.com/jenwellnesstherapy/

VeDA relies on your support to help vestibular patients on their journey to find a life rebalanced. You can make a real difference by making a donation at https://vestibular.org/donate/

If you are experiencing vertigo, tinnitus, dizziness, imbalance, brain fog, or other balance-related symptoms, VeDA may be able to help. To learn more about vestibular conditions and get help finding a diagnosis, treatment, coping tools, and support visit https://vestibular.org/

For help finding a vestibular healthcare provider visit https://vestibular.org/healthcare-directory/

If you are a vestibular healthcare professional and want to reach more patients, join VeDA's Healthcare Provider Directory by becoming a member at https://vestibular.org/article/resources-for-professionals/professional-membership/. Additional benefits include patient education articles you can brand with your logo.