Psychosomatics of fainting
Fainting is a short loss of consciousness because blood flow to the brain drops, usually for less than a couple of minutes. The NHS writes that it rarely means something serious, but after fainting you should see a doctor. Call an ambulance if the person does not come round, if it happened during exertion or while lying down, or if there is chest pain or seizures. The Ladder method helps you notice when you want to switch off from overload, and it does not replace a doctor.
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When to see a doctor
A GP, and if needed a cardiologist or neurologist. The NHS advises seeing a doctor after any faint, even if it looks harmless. Tell them what happened before the faint, how long you were unconscious, which medicines you take and whether you drank alcohol. The doctor will measure your blood pressure, listen to your heart and, if needed, order tests.
In the Ladder method
In the Ladder method fainting is not explained by the words you are too sensitive and is not counted as weakness. You are not to blame: the causes are usually in blood pressure, heat, eating, the heart and tiredness. A doctor comes first, and the questions to yourself go alongside the check, not instead of it.
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In the method fainting fits the image of switching off from overload: when there is too much pain, fear or duty, the body wants to disappear. This is an image, not a cause of fainting, and it does not replace an exam.
On the ladder this shows up as the steps I am not allowed to get tired and I must endure everything. You can work through them at your own pace.
These are questions for reflection, not an explanation of what causes the condition and not a treatment.
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How it shows up
Book a doctor’s appointment if you notice:
- Sudden short loss of consciousness
- Weakness, sweating and nausea before it
- The field of vision narrows, sounds move away
- Heat and dizziness
- A pale face
- Coming round quickly
What medicine knows
Fainting, medically syncope, is a short loss of consciousness because blood flow to the brain drops. An episode usually lasts less than a couple of minutes, and the person comes round quickly. Along with consciousness, muscle tone and color in the face are lost (MedlinePlus). Usually a person comes round within 30 seconds (NHS).
Before fainting there may be weakness, sweating, nausea, feeling hot, dizziness, narrowing of the field of vision, so-called tunnel vision, and a sense that sounds are moving away (NHS, MedlinePlus).
There are many causes: standing up quickly, too little food or drink, heat, severe pain, fear, strong emotions, severe coughing, straining, standing still for a long time, urinating at night, some medicines, for example for blood pressure and anxiety, alcohol, frequent deep breathing, low blood sugar. More rarely the cause is in the heart, for example a rhythm problem, and it is the most important one to rule out (NHS, MedlinePlus).
If you feel you are about to lose consciousness, lie down and raise your legs, or if you cannot, sit and lower your head between your knees, drink water, cross your legs or clench your fists (NHS). Get up slowly from lying down. If someone next to you has fallen, check whether they respond and breathe, and if they breathe, lay them on their back and raise their legs, and a pregnant woman is better placed on her side (NHS).
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Frequently asked questions
What causes fainting?
According to the NHS, standing up quickly, too little food or water, heat, severe pain, strong emotions, heart problems, alcohol and drugs. That is why you should see a doctor after fainting.
What should I do if I feel I am about to faint?
The NHS advises lying down and raising your legs, or if you cannot, sitting and lowering your head between your knees, drinking water, crossing your legs or clenching your fists.
Can fainting come from nerves?
Yes, MedlinePlus names emotional distress, fear and severe pain among the causes. But heart causes, blood pressure and blood sugar must be ruled out first. In the Ladder method this is a reason to ask yourself what you want to switch off from, and it does not replace a doctor.
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Answers to common questions
Psychosomatics does not replace tests and treatment. Only a doctor can make a diagnosis.