🎧My journey with Ménière’s: managing anxiety, vertigo and tinnitus
Psychologist Martsie Dreyer experienced hearing loss, a ringing in the ears, spinning vertigo, nausea, and other symptoms for five years before Ménière’s disease was diagnosed. She explores the deep-seated insecurities and limitations around this condition and explains how she implements her background in music and psychology to manage attacks, anxiety and loss. Martsie’s refusal to let her chronic condition dictate her life is an inspiration to others.
If you are new to podcasts, simply click on the arrow to listen to Martsie and Mariette, or you can download or share the conversation using this link.
Please note that Martsie speaks as a psychologist and individual with a diagnosis of Ménière's disease, not as a medical doctor.
In episode 256 of the weekly podcast series Calm, Clear & Helpful, counselling psychologist Martsie Dreyer touches on
a virus infection, coupled with burnout, which led to unexpected consequences
experiencing “strange spells” - a ringing in the ears, dizziness coupled with nausea, imbalance, fluctuating hearing loss, aural fullness and headache
assessments, including an MRI
an eventual diagnosis of Ménière’s disease or syndrome, with both her ears affected
symptoms of depression, resulting from limitations at work and in other spheres of life
Martsie’s decision to be fully functional in the workplace
“This thing will not become my master”
discoveries inspired by a process of self-awareness
finding ways to control anxiety triggered by physical symptoms and limitations
handling fears of falling down or experiencing embarrassment due to nausea or not being able to walk in a straight line
addressing a ringing in the ears by implementing her formal background in music
Martie’s turning point
practical steps she takes when she feels a Ménière’s attack coming on.
Scroll down for more information on Martsie.
Feel free to click on Home and browse this website for articles and podcasts on more fulfilling love relationships, easier parenting, and upping your emotional well-being. Subscribe to my monthly newsletter to get a gentle nudge when new content is alive!
Also read Martsie’s Up Close & Personal article, where she writes about lecturing in Cairo, children living abroad, and savouring a glass of whiskey.
You can listen to Martsie speaking about “55-plussers: mind shifts that support us at home and at work.”
More about Martsie
Martsie Dreyer is a counselling psychologist registered with the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA). At present she has a private practice, where she mostly works with mid-career changes.
Her career has spanned multiple industries and her core expertise lies in the strategic optimisation of human potential. She combines psychological insight with a practical understanding of business dynamics, offering comprehensive support in psychological assessment, selection and counselling.
Martsie has more than 10 years’ experience in the entertainment industry, focusing on behavioural risk assessment, particularly within high-pressure environments such as reality television. Her international contributions include active participation in a global task team designing a framework of Duty of Care for reality TV participants.
Email address: dreyer.martsie@gmail.com
Cell phone: 084 242 0775
About the host: Mariette Snyman is an award-winning South African journalist and host of the Calm, Clear & Helpful podcast. Learn more: https://www.mariettesnyman.co.za/llm
Original music by Mart-Marie Snyman
Thumbnail image: Pexels - model used
Photograph of Martsie Dreyer: supplied