The October Slide

I find it fitting that October is Dysautonomia Awareness Month because it's the same timeframe as the season changing over. For most people, the change from summer to autumn is beautiful. For many in the chronic community, it wreaks havoc on our bodies.

Ever heard of the October Slide?

No, it's not the latest dance craze (which I cannot keep up with these days), it's what we call our health challenges during seasonal changes. It's a fairly well-documented occurrence. When diagnosed with POTS or other forms of dysautonomia, many physicians warn patients that this is something to be on the lookout for when the seasons change. It's also talked about to death within our community but we also like to share those stories of change with you, dear readers. Sadly, the October Slide continues into the November Drag.

So, what exactly is the October Slide? In short, it's when your daily symptoms worsen due to seasonal change. Our bodies are more susceptible to barometric changes (which happens frequently in the midwest), rapid and drastic weather changes (also frequently happens in the midwest), mold growth, and so much more.

What does the October Slide do to Hillary's body? In the past, I would pass out more, my nausea would grow out of control (rendering me unable to eat), and I'd get dizzy more often. Now? Lots of migraines, sinus pressure, brain fog, and nausea (still).

What makes the October Slide worse? Undoubtedly, stress makes any of our symptoms worse and I'm under a ton of that right now. We put a lot of pressure on ourselves to try to perform like we're healthy and we're not...we're really not like other people. Maybe we're superheroes! Anyway, stress definitely makes the October Slide worse. Food can also make it worse, we tend to eat what sounds good instead of a balanced diet because sometimes that balance isn't a good mix for patients like us. We become more sensitive to foods because our bodies are on high alert.

What can I do to support you? Be there. Be present. Ask if you can bring food over. Bring us books. Watch movies with us. Watch our kids for a few hours. Bring your kids over to play with our kids. Whatever you do - don't judge. Don't make the stress worse. Many of us are already missing out on every day life things like being an office, playing with our kids, and even being intimate. Don't make it worse. There are also some things you shouldn't say, so please watch your mouth around us.

The best thing you can do as a friend, spouse, partner, or relative is just to call or text to see how we're feeling. It'll raise our spirits and help bring us out of the October Slide...mentally.