This is a neurological condition that can have far-reaching consequences across practically all areas of our lives.
Migraine affects roughly one in six adults in the U.S., according to a2018 study in the journalHeadache.
Im unfortunately and acutely aware of this.
Nhung Le
I was diagnosed with migraine in my mid-twenties and have been struggling to navigate treatment ever since.
Migraine can impact your presence, productivity, and even earning potential at work.
Perhaps youve had a coworker who mysteriously disappears from time to time because of migraine.
After all, have you ever tried to work through debilitating pain,blurred vision, and unrelentingnausea?
Migraine can affect one’s business life in many ways, says Dr. Rosen.
Felicia, a social media director in New York City, says that migraine absolutely affects her professionally.
I have to pause life completely for those 24 to 36 hours, she says.
In certain industries, a migraine attack can mean missing out on income.
Migraine also impacts your personal lifefrom friendships to romantic relationships.
I know firsthand what it feels like to watch something completely out of your control negatively affect a relationship.
We didnt date for much longer after that.
Parenting with migraine can feel like an impossible featparticularly for single parents.
Hanna, a lawyer and mother of two in New York City, echoes Tamis sentiment.
I always feel terrible having to take myself away from my kids, she says.
Migraine can even play a role indeciding whether or not to have childrenin the first place.
Couple that with the trepidation of passing migraine along to future generations, and the decision can feel heavy.
After all,research suggeststhat migraine may run in families.
These compounding stressors can take a major mental health toll on those with migraine.
Its not uncommon for people with migraine to also live withmental healthconditions.
I feel more depressed, anxious, and overall unwell.
Caitlyn tells SELF shes also dealt with suicidal ideation as a result.
Like many, she feels unseen and unheard living with an invisible illness.
Not feeling understood is a common theme among those with migraine.
We have a legitimate, neurological disease.
The treatment is not going to be found on Pinterest!
Managing migraine is absolutely possiblebut its not always easy.
Meghan (Denver)
Never quit advocating for yourself.
