People don't seem to understand that a chronic condition like Meniere's while not life-threatening can be debilitating. I thought my husband understood since he's seen me in the throes of a full blown Meniere's attack several times. Like yesterday I phoned my husband who was at work and told him I needed him to come home a little early and help me because I was having a severe attack. I had sat in my recliner for several hours, stuck, not being able to move at all. I was afraid I was going to pee my pants because I could not move. I vomited so much I lost 5 lbs. overnight! I called him just 20 minutes before he was suppose to get off work. But he stayed at work until his regular time to get off and came home at his regular time. I think he thinks I just feel a little dizzy and have an upset stomach. Then when he got home I told him I needed is help to get to the bathroom. So he just gives me his arm (like a father gives his arm to the bride at a wedding). Really? I needed him to support me more than that. I guess unless it's happening to him he just can't understand, but it's so frustrating. Hopefully I got through to him because he did call me at lunchtime today and asked how I was doing. But I just don't feel other people have a clue as to how it feels. I told him I didn't necessarily want him to feel my pain (I wouldn't wish this on anyone), but when I tell him I need him, I don't do it lightly.
I find that many people don't understand what vertigo is. They believe it's just a little dizziness as opposed to not being able to take one or two steps without falling over.
It's very hard for people to understand us when they have never experienced it. I used to crawl on my hands and knees, bring in a pillow and a blanket and something dark to put over my eyes. I just stayed in the bathroom for hours. It made ME feel better and finally shocked family members to see me that way. Just what I used to do. Hope it helps.