Archive for the ‘Stress and Migraines’ Category
Tuesday, June 4th, 2013
According to a recent study, long-term stress triggers migraines and other debilitating ailments, especially if you fall into a certain age group… Here are some interesting results from the 45-year study on stress and chronic pain, and some tips to help you lower your risks for frequent migraine headaches.
Women, stress, and headaches
There’s a lot of hype about stress being the strongest of all migraine triggers, but very little research proving the influence that stress reduction and other natural therapies can have on migraine headaches.
Now, results from a Swedish study on 1,500 middle-aged women which began in 1968 have been published, proving the undeniable link between perceived stress and ailments such as headaches, backaches, joint stiffness, and stomach pain.
Here are some of the details of that study:
•About 1,500 women participated in the Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg study on migraines in middle-aged women.
•Women were asked if they suffered from anxiety, fear, nervousness, irritability, anger, or sleeplessness resulting from family or work relationships and health problems.
•In 40% of participants, long-term stress triggered chronic pain symptoms of migraine headaches, aching muscles and joints, or gastrointestinal disorders.
•Twenty percent of women suffered from constant stress during a period of at least five years.
•Stress triggered most migraines in women between the ages of 40-60, the same age range for a large number of migraine patients.
Also read: Ease Stress, Effortlessly! 5 Migraine Management Tips
Which pain symptoms are most predominant?
In the study, scientists focused on three main categories of chronic pain: migraine headaches, muscle and joint pain, and gastrointestinal complaints.
•For muscle and joint pain, 40% of middle-aged women who suffer from high stress are affected.
•For chronic migraine headaches, 28% of participants saw a spike in migraine frequency during long-term stressful periods.
•For gastrointestinal pains, such as stomach cramps, diarrhea, and nausea, another 28% of women saw a correlation between stress and chronic pain.
It’s interesting to note that all three of the ailments listed are common symptoms of migraine; in addition to intense headaches, many migraine patients also suffer from stomach pain, severe nausea, uncontrollable vomiting, neck aches, eye pain, and draining fatigue.
Read: The Earliest Symptoms of Migraine are not Headaches
So, if you are a middle-aged woman who experiences all of these symptoms with migraine, then stress may make you nearly 100% more likely to get a migraine attack in the near future.
Reduce migraine triggers!
Overwhelmingly, natural preventative measures, used in conjunction with doctor-approved migraine treatments, have the most impact on migraine prevention.
These include:
•Migraine trigger avoidance
•Following a migraine-friendly diet
•Keeping a migraine diary
•Stress reduction techniques
•Yoga or tai chi
•Keeping a regular sleep schedule
•Preventing dehydration headaches by drinking enough water
•Taking essential vitamins, minerals, and herbs that impact migraine triggers resulting from vitamin deficiencies, neurological disorders, and vascular irregularities.
The Fab Four
For good health with migraines, experts advise taking these basic four ingredients:
Vitamin B2 (riboflavin), magnesium, butterbur, and coenzyme Q10
Read more here- Top 25 Natural Migraine Treatments: Vitamins, Minerals, and Herbs
Your turn!
Do you have any questions or suggestions? Please leave your comments below.
Share with your friends!
If you found this article helpful, then please share with your friends, family, and coworkers by email, twitter, or Facebook.
Like this? Read more:
Beat Menstrual Migraines, Naturally!
Migraines, Women, and Depression: 9 Myths and Truths
5 Effective Natural Supplements for Depression
Sources:
Clear Link Between Perceived Stress and an Increased Incidence of Psychosomatic Symptoms
Image courtesy of David Castillo Dominici/freedigitalphotos
Tags: chronic pain, Headaches, long term stress, migraine headaches, migraine stress triggers, migraine triggers, migraines and stress, natural migraine treatment, Women and migraine
Posted in Stress and Migraines | No Comments »
Thursday, April 18th, 2013
Stress is one of the greatest triggers of migraine attacks, as it weakens your immune system, causes brain fatigue, and deprives you of much-needed energy. Here are some excellent tips to help you reduce stress now, and prevent migraines later.
Imagine a place…
John Lennon was really onto something when he famously asked the world to imagine a better place to live in; guided imagery is one of the best tools for relaxation, as it uses positive affirmations, controlled breathing, and focused meditation to help you improve circulation, relax your muscles, lower your heartbeat, and achieve a deep, restful state, thus reducing migraine triggers in stress.
Try it! Sit comfortably, close your eyes, and visualize a scene that makes you feel safe, relaxed, and comfortable. Breathe in to the count of three, hold your breath for three counts, and exhale to the count of six. Repeat, and continue for at least 15 minutes.
Take a hike…
Sometimes, you just need to remove yourself from a stressful environment. A power walk is a great tool for warding off a stress-related migraine while also burning calories, easing stress, and boosting your cardiovascular health.
Try it! On your lunch break, reserve at least 10 minutes after eating for a brief stroll or jog in the area. At home, take your dog for a run, or enjoy a casual walk around the neighborhood after supper.
Lean on somebody…
Sometimes, you just need a hug. Physical contact with a friend, relative, or even a loyal pet is a proven method of stress reduction, and a great tool for migraine management!
Try it! When you feel anxious or depressed, ask somebody for a hug! You’ll both feel better for it.
Can Anxiety Attacks cause Migraines?
Have a cuppa…
To ease headaches and lower stress levels instantly, brew yourself a hot cup of decaffeinated coffee or herb tea.
Try it! Buy a tea sampler containing a selection of herb teas that relieve migraine symptoms; good choices are chamomile, mint, licorice, and decaffeinated green tea.
Nourish yourself…
Eating healthy, migraine trigger-free foods while also taking beneficial supplements that ease migraine symptoms is an important part of migraine management. Choose nutrients that boost circulation, support the nervous system, maintain cardiovascular health, and sustain proper immune system functioning.
Try it! Vitamins, mineral, and herbs that benefit migraine patients most are butterbur extracts, vitamin B2, vitamin B12, coenzyme Q10, magnesium, and alpha-linolenic acid (ALA).
Your turn!
Do you have any questions or suggestions? Please leave your comments below.
Share with your friends!
If you found this article helpful, then please share with your friends, family, and coworkers by email, twitter, or Facebook.
Like this? Read more:
5 Effective Natural Supplements for Depression
Migraines, Women, and Depression: 9 Myths and Truths
Overcome Depression with Migraine- 4 Lifestyle Habits that Help
Image courtesy of photostock/free digital photos
Tags: migraine attacks, migraine management, migraine triggers, migraines and stress
Posted in Stress and Migraines | No Comments »
Thursday, January 31st, 2013
Migraines can make it difficult to get a full night’s sleep, but by practicing migraineur sleep hygiene, you can get to sleep and wake up feeling refreshed, without having your rest interrupted by migraine headaches.
Practice migraine sleep hygiene
What is sleep hygiene? It’s not wearing clean pajamas or washing your face before bedtime; sleep hygiene are tactics you can use to promote good restful sleep.
For migraine patients, good sleep hygiene also reduces your chances of starting the next day with a raging headache and having a migraine attack triggered by insomnia.
So, to avoid morning migraines and get a good night’s sleep, follow these guidelines:
1- Notice daytime symptoms
Often, we’re so caught up in the hustle and bustle of everyday life that we tend to ignore the early warning signs of an approaching migraine. Sometimes, we’re just too busy to even notice the earliest symptoms of the prodrome migraine phase.
Stiff neck, unusual food cravings, sudden fatigue, irritability, disorientation and even euphoria are signs that should prompt you into activating your migraine attack plan of action, whether it be prescription prophylaxis medications, abortive drugs, or natural supplements for migraine.
If you suffer from chronic migraine, then a good rule of thumb is to take scheduled time out breaks throughout the day and do a quick migraine-symptom “audit.” Then you’ll be better prepared for the impending migraine headache and maybe even nip it in the bud!
2- Unplug
Abstain from using electronic devices two hours before bed. This includes your iPod, iPhone, iPad, or any other smart phone. Don’t watch TV to get to sleep, either. Chatting on the phone, engaging in social media, and watching late-night television are all things that stimulate your brain, when what you really need to be doing is getting into a relaxed state.
3- Eat right
Don’t eat anything heavy after the 6:00 pm hour, and don’t snack within a few hours of beddie-bye. Avoid caffeinated beverages after midday, as well. If you normally use migraine pain relievers with caffeine, take the minimum amount in the evening hours.
4- Set the stage
Establish a relaxing nighttime ritual that is conducive to sleep and also reduces stress. Meditate, practice stretching exercises, or take a warm bath with lavender oil- these are all things that are essential for preventing migraines and inducing the sleep response.
5- Keep it regular
Adopt a regular sleep schedule. Not only will your internal clockwork kick in, telling you when it’s time to go to sleep, it’s also beneficial for preventing migraines, as fluctuations in sleep patterns are common migraine triggers.
6- Take your vitamins!
Take natural supplements that benefit migraine patients while promoting sleep. Good nutrients to try are magnesium, riboflavin, CoQ10, and serotonin. Additionally, many people find that sipping on herbal tea helps to unwind. Natural herbs that promote sleep and benefit migraine sufferers are butterbur, chamomile, and lemon balm. For a complete list of natural ingredients for migraines, see this- Top 25 Natural Migraine Treatments: Vitamins, Minerals, and Herbs
Win a free bottle of Migravent!
Enter to win a free bottle of Migravent! No purchase necessary, no obligations involved. Now, through February 10, 2013. Enter our Migravent Giveaway.
Your turn!
What natural supplements do you use to prevent migraines and get a good night’s sleep?
Do you have any questions or suggestions? Please leave your comments below.
Share with your friends!
If you found this article helpful, then please share with your friends, family, and coworkers by email, Facebook, or Google+.
Like this? Read more:
Sleep Paralysis, Hallucinations, and Migraines
Are Sleep Seizures, Exploding Head Noises Causing Insomnia?
Migraine Triggers in Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
Sources:
Preventing Migraine Headaches from Disrupting Sleep
Image(s) courtesy of David Castillo Dominici/FreeDigitalPhotos.net
Tags: fall asleep, Insomnia migraine, migraine headaches, migraines and sleep, Natural supplements for migraine, prevent migraines
Posted in Stress and Migraines | No Comments »
Friday, January 18th, 2013
It’s an eerie sensation- you’re half-asleep, lying on your back, and suddenly you realize that you can’t move your body or utter a peep. Sleep paralysis may be comorbid with migraines, although the link is not exactly clear-cut.
About 30-40% of people will experience isolated sleep paralysis at least once in their lives, characterized by an unnerving sensation of being frozen, mute, or sometimes floating in space, aware of your surroundings but unable to rouse. Sleep paralysis can happen when you’re just waking up in the morning, or at night as you’re drifting off to sleep.
Time stretches to eternity, and seems to lose all meaning, even though the whole terrifying phenomenon lasts for a mere few minutes.
In many ways, the symptoms of sleep paralysis are strikingly similar to migraines with aura.
What is feels like
In the beginning, it can be a frightening, especially if the whole experience is new to you. For a relatively small percentage of people, sleep paralysis may occur with hallucinations or migraine headaches.
Patient stories of sleep paralysis are almost identical, bearing similar symptoms and circumstances. Common descriptions may include:
- Waking up, but feeling like your brain hasn’t registered that you’re no longer sleeping
- Having the sensation of something sitting on your chest, suffocating you
- Not being able to breath upon waking
- Feeling paralyzed, unable to move even a muscle
- Wanting to scream, but being unable to, as if still in a dream
- Being faintly aware of other people around you, and hearing them talking
- Sensing a “presence” in the room, sometimes as hallucination
- Hearing a loud ringing sound in your ears that starts out faint, but gets progressively louder
- Feeling a vibration in your head upon waking, which becomes a morning headache
- Sometimes, with exploding head syndrome, you wake up with an intense headache
- After 10 seconds, you suddenly jerk yourself awake
- You may see bright auras, lights and shapes behind your eyelids just before jolting yourself awake
What causes it?
Isolated sleep paralysis is explained as a temporary paralysis of the body that occurs just after waking up or while falling asleep- always during the twilight period between deep sleep and wakefulness.
Scientifically speaking, it occurs when your brain awakes during the REM sleep cycle, but your body remains “asleep.” You are aware, but unable to move, and may experience wide-awake dreams, hallucinations.
Causes and risk factors for sleep paralysis with hallucinations often include:
- High stress
- Anxiety
- Panic attacks
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Depression
- Bipolar disorder
- Insomnia
- Erratic sleep schedule
- Environmental fluctuations
- Sleeping on your back
- Sleeping pills
Connection to migraines?
There seems to be a high correlation between migraines and sleep paralysis, if for no other reason than the fact that they seem to share certain “triggers.”
- Anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, and extreme sensitivity to changes in the weather are all factors that influence migraine frequency and your likeliness of experiencing sleep paralysis.
- Sleep paralysis, when it occurs often, is a sleep disorder- another condition comorbid with migraines.
- Also, there’s the exploding head syndrome link, which has been described in a scientific study on sleep paralysis in connection with migraine aura.
- Antidepressants are a common treatment for migraines and sleep paralysis, as well.
What can you do?
The best advice, as given by your doctor, will be to relax, avoid caffeine in the afternoon, and try to get enough sleep.
If that alone doesn’t work, it helps to remind yourself when it occurs that it’s only temporary, and try to focus on moving even your little finger or nose, and that should trigger a wakeful response.
If necessary, your doctor may prescribe anti-depressants in order to provide relief from insomnia, sleep paralysis, and migraine.
Your turn!
Is there anything you’d like to add to this list? Please enter your comments below!
Share with your friends!
If you found this article helpful, then please share with your friends, family, and coworkers by email, Facebook, or Google+.
Like this? Read more:
Are Sleep Seizures, Exploding Head Noises Causing Insomnia?
Sources:
Exploding head syndrome followed by sleep paralysis: a rare migraine aura.
The waking nightmare of sleep paralysis
Isolated sleep paralysis
Sleep paralysis: Migraine Aura Foundation
Image courtesy of public domain
Tags: exploding head syndrome, migraine aura, migraine headache, sleep paralysis, Sleep paralysis hallucination, sleep paralysis headache
Posted in Stress and Migraines | No Comments »
Monday, January 7th, 2013
Millions of women suffer from migraines, and an overwhelming number of them have also experienced post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), either from living in an abusive home or witnessing mental illness in a loved one. Listed below are some clues that help us understand the link between severe psychological trauma and migraine attacks.
Migraines are neurological- aren’t they?
It would be a misnomer to suggest that post-traumatic stress causes migraine headaches, as migraine disorder is actually a genetic neurological disease, and is not directly caused by stress.
However, scientists have acknowledged the existence of “migraine triggers,” certain factors outside of the brain that increase your chances of having a migraine attack and serve as obstacles to migraine management.
Migraines, Women, and Depression: 9 Myths and Truths
Stress is one of the most powerful migraine triggers, and the most difficult to overcome. Other migraine triggers include hormone fluctuations, changes in weather, food ingredients, and bright lights.
PTSD and migraines
It has been established that victims of physical, sexual, or psychological abuse have higher rates of migraine attacks than those who have not suffered abuse.
About one quarter of people who seek help for chronic headaches such as migraines have suffered some form of post-traumatic stress disorder.
Even migraine sufferers who have not experienced PTSD have higher instances of depression, anxiety, and bipolar disorder than non-migraineurs, as such conditions are often comorbid with migraine disorder.
PTSD may be caused by:
- Child abuse
- Rape
- Mental abuse
- Spousal abuse
- Violent death of a loved one
- Natural disaster
- Car accident
- War
- Mental illness in the home
Can Anxiety Attacks cause Migraines?
Symptoms of PTSD include:
- Chronic fatigue
- Chronic body aches
- Chronic headaches
- Night sweats
- Vivid nightmares
- Flashbacks
- Panic attacks
- Anxiety disorder
- Phobias
- Deep depression
- Apathy
- Restlessness
- Agitation
- Intense anger
In a nutshell
PTSD doesn’t cause migraines, but it does make them more likely to happen.
By practicing migraine trigger avoidance, while treating symptoms of stress, depression, and anxiety, you may increase the number of migraine-free days and reduce the severity of migraines when they occur.
- Practice relaxation techniques
- Seek psychological therapy
- Cut back on caffeine, alcohol, and sweets
- Avoid migraine triggers in food
- Take natural vitamins, minerals and herbs that benefit migraines, depression, and anxiety
- Join a support group for PTSD or migraine sufferers
Your turn!
Do you have any questions or suggestions? Please leave your comments below.
Share with your friends!
If you found this article helpful, then please share with your friends, family, and coworkers by email, Facebook, or Google+.
Like this? Read more:
Managing your Mood with Migraines: 4 Simple Surefire Tips for Happiness
Migraines and Work Stress:Surprising Symptoms
Migraines in Children Linked to Emotional Problems
Sources:
Abuse, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder and Migraine
Image(s) courtesy of Nutdanai Apikhomboonwaroot/FreeDigitalPhotos.net
Tags: Chronic headache, migraine symptoms, Migraines triggers and stress, post traumatic stress disorder headache, PTSD and migraines
Posted in Stress and Migraines | No Comments »
Tuesday, November 27th, 2012
Do you ever get strong migraine headaches, just when you’re trying to wind down after a long day? Let-down headaches (weekend headaches) occur after work, holiday festivities, or long periods of stress. Here are some tips for avoiding let-down migraine headaches during those few moments of peace and quiet.
Relaxation, interrupted
It’s the worst possible time to get a migraine attack. (Assuming there is ever a convenient time for a headache.)
You’ve had a hectic day; your children missed breakfast, you forgot to pick up your dry-cleaning, you worked on your feet from morning to late noon, and your boss asked you to work overtime…at the last minute. And your babysitter’s studying for finals.
So, you stick some frozen chicken nuggets in the oven, put out the paper plates, and wait for the household to settle down.
At long last, you’re ready to flop down on your nice soft bed and turn the lights out. You feel the stress melting out of your pores.
You’re all set to put your anxieties behind you and enjoy some peaceful moments of solitude, focus on the now…
And that’s when the migraine headache strikes.
Like the end of a Spielberg horror film, let-down headaches always attack when you’re most vulnerable- when you’re weak, tired, achy, stressed, jittery, and ready to call it quits.
You think the horror of the day is over, but it’s only about to begin.
Oh, the pain
Suddenly, your head feels heavy. Pain radiates down your skull, a throbbing headache that pulses in your veins, increasing by the minute.
Your eyes suddenly hurt, and small shafts of light feel like a knife jabbing into your forehead.
You feel more fatigued than you imagined possible. Nausea hits you in the stomach, and the urge to vomit is imminent.
You feel dizzy, like the room is spinning. Your hold out your right arm and it seems like it’s too far from your body.
You’re not sure if you’ve been lying here for a few minutes or an hour. Time loses all meaning.
And still, the excruciating head pain shows no sign of diminishing, even after you take four extra-strength Advil tablets.
Can Anxiety Attacks cause Migraines?
Why me?
Let-down headaches occur more often than many migraineurs realize. It has been scientifically proven that when stress levels decline, migraine sufferers experience an increased risk for migraine attacks.
By using the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS), researchers who examined 17 migraine headache patients estimated that let-down migraine headaches occur within 12-24 hours following the end of a stressful period.
Just when you’re trying to relax, wind down, or cheer yourself up, that’s when you are 20% more likely to have a sudden migraine headache.
To prevent let-down migraine headaches, researchers from the study advise migraine patients to maintain regularity in their lives as a means of avoiding migraines caused by fluctuations in stress, energy, hormones, blood sugar, and mood.
“Awareness of mood and stress may improve headache prediction and provide targets for behavioral or pharmacological interventions.”
Please tell us…
Do you have any questions or suggestions? Please leave your comments below.
Share with your friends!
If you found this article helpful, then please share with your friends, family, and coworkers by email, Facebook, or Google+.
Like this? Read more:
Migraines and Work Stress:Surprising Symptoms
Sources:
Study Holds Up ‘Let-down Headache’ Hypothesis
Image(s) courtesy of FreeDigitalPhotos.net
Tags: Let-Down Headaches, migraine headaches, Migraine Stress Headaches, migraines and stress, Weekend headaches
Posted in Stress and Migraines | No Comments »
Monday, September 17th, 2012
Migraines and work stress are some of the biggest health crises facing migraine sufferers today. Work stress is not only bad for productivity; it’s also detrimental to your health! Migraines and work stress have been correlated in countless studies, accounting for a rising unemployment rate and disability among migraine patients all over the US.
Some symptoms of job-related stress include:
Headaches- no surprise there. Stress is a frequent trigger of migraine headaches. Daily stress encountered at work is often a source of crippling migraine attacks that never seem to disappear.
Fatigue- constant fatigue is a byproduct of migraines and work stress, but it can also signify problems with depression or other health conditions, such as fibromyalgia or chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS).
Apathy- if you feel that you’re insignificant at work, or that nothing you do at work matters, then you may be suffering from severe work stress requiring attention, and possibly depression, a comorbid condition of migraine disorder.
Insomnia- sometimes, people take work stress home with them, causing them to lose sleep and spend many restless nights worrying about their jobs. Sleeplessness is one of many migraine triggers, so to prevent migraines and work stress, it’s important to learn how to shut off anxious thoughts while you’re in bed, so that you’ll be able to get to sleep quicker and wake up refreshed.
Stomach problems- stomach cramps, diarrhea, or nausea are all common symptoms of migraines and work stress. Gastrointestinal disorder occurs often with people who suffer severe migraines, but it could also indicate mounting stress at the workplace.
Distraction- “brain fog” happens when you’re under intense stress, but it also occurs with many neurological disorders, including migraines.
Please tell us…
Do you have any questions or suggestions? Please leave your comments below.
Share with your friends!
If you found this article helpful, then please share with your friends, family, and coworkers by email, Facebook, or Google+.
Like this? Read more:
Managing your Migraines at Work- 4 Healthy Changes in Attitude
Migraines and Work Stress: 3 Tips for Keeping your Cool
Migraine-ous Fragrances at Work: Know your Rights
Source:
Stress at Work: Tips to Reduce and Manage Job and Workplace Stress
Images courtesy of FreeDigitalPhotos.net
Tags: migraine headaches, Migraines, migraines and stress, Migraines and work stress, migraines at work
Posted in Stress and Migraines | No Comments »
Thursday, September 13th, 2012
Migraines and work stress are a growing problem for migraine sufferers everywhere- coping with constant migraine headaches while struggling to make ends meet in a shaky economy creates a very tense work environment. About 43% of US citizens have experienced job stress caused by rudeness in the workplace, according to a survey. To manage migraines and work stress, you need to learn ways to relieve tension (a migraine trigger) and create a happier work environment.
#1- Set an example
Always treat your coworkers the way you would want to be treated yourself. Even when others are rude (or downright hostile!), that’s no reason to resort to that behavior, yourself. Practice speaking quietly when you’re stressed, and choose your words carefully. When you’re really angry, it’s probably best not to speak at all, and wait until you’ve had a moment to contemplate. Eventually, other people will get that you’re not into confrontations.
#2- Pretend you’re hard of hearing
Sometimes, fighting fire with fire only creates a raging inferno of more migraines and work stress. When somebody at work makes an impolite remark about your being late or needing to wear migraine sunglasses indoors, don’t retort back at her with an equally unfriendly remark. Just bite your tongue and shrug it off- you’ll feel better for it.
#3- Create a friendship circle
It’s not enough to ignore toxic people- you should also make an effort to befriend other coworkers, people you can chat comfortably with during breaks. Better yet, set up a support system where people can talk openly (but civilly) about changes that would benefit the work environment. This would also be a good opportunity to reduce migraines and work stress by addressing migraine triggers in the workplace, such as strong perfumes, loud noises, or bright artificial lighting.
Please tell us…
Do you have any questions or suggestions? Please leave your comments below.
Share with your friends!
If you found this article helpful, then please share with your friends, family, and coworkers by email, Facebook, or Google+.
Like this? Read more:
Avoiding Migraine Triggers- Here, There and Everywhere
Can Anxiety Attacks cause Migraines?
Source:
Five Ways to Ease Work Stress – How to Avoid Stress At Work – RealAge
Images courtesy of FreeDigitalPhotos.net
Tags: Migraine headaces, migraine headaches, Migraines, migraines and stress, Migraines and work stress, migraines at work
Posted in Stress and Migraines | No Comments »
Friday, June 15th, 2012
Migraines correlate with many mood disorders like depression and anxiety. So, how do you find true happiness if chronic pain is part of your life? Here are 4 tips that are scientifically proven to increase your happiness and overall sense of wellbeing, even if you suffer from chronic migraine headaches.
1) Give yourself some TLC. The way you treat your body affects your mood, as well. When you take good care of your body, you increase happiness, energy, and responsiveness to migraine therapies. Eat a healthy diet of whole grains, fresh fruits and vegetables, and lots of water. Include at least 20-30 minutes per day  of light exercise. Learn how to breathe deeply and keep your back straight. Allow yourself plenty of nighttime sleep. Supplement with beneficial vitamins, minerals, and herbs.
2) Keep on the sunny side! The power of positive thinking has been the focus of many studies on chronic pain such as migraines. Researchers found that pain sufferers who remain optimistic about their condition and try to stay in a good mood, despite physical pain, are most likely to respond well to pain treatment and find lasting relief.
3) Be your own best migraine advocate. Repeat to yourself: “I am bigger than my disease. Migraines don’t own me. I can learn how to manage my life around migraine disorder. The right treatment for me is out there- I just need to find it.” By telling yourself that you are powerful and capable, you increase your chances of fulfilling your self-prophecy. On the other hand, saying things like, “I can’t deal with this migraine” is self-defeating and a sure path to depression.
4) It’s okay to be wrong (even if you’re not). You’re going to get plenty of well-meaning advice from people about how to cure migraines. Everybody knows somebody who’s related to someone else who cured his or her migraines just by quitting chocolate. Take it in stride, and resist the urge to set the record straight next time somebody asks why you let your “really bad headaches” keep you at home so often. A person can only handle so many uphill battles in life, and this one is just not worth the sweat off your brow.
Please tell us…
Do you have any questions or suggestions? Please leave your comments below.
Share with your friends!
If you found this article helpful, then please share with your friends, family, and coworkers by email, Facebook, or Google+.
Like this? Read more:
Migraines, Women, and Depression: 9 Myths and Truths
Can Anxiety Attacks cause Migraines?
Images courtesy of FreeDigitalPhotos.net
Tags: chronic migraine headaches, Happiness and chronic pain, help for migraines, migraines and mood, stress and migraines
Posted in Stress and Migraines | No Comments »
Wednesday, March 21st, 2012
Chronic pain, including migraines, can strain even the closest relationships. Learning how to manage migraine headache symptoms without alienating your friends and family is a difficult, but worthwhile, mission that all migraine patients need to learn. Here are some strategies that will make that task a bit easier to accomplish.
Don’t get migraine trigger-happy
Migraines are a loaded gun, and sometimes you’re tempted to aim them at your closest friends. You’re not alone in this sentiment- almost every chronic pain patient has had the frustrating experience of trying to explain to deaf ears the concept of migraine triggers and the excruciating headaches they cause…not to mention the eye pain, nausea, stomach cramps, vomiting, vertigo, and countless other migraine attack symptoms that apply.
There is hope.
Here are some expert tips on keeping relationships close while keeping migraines very far away…
Choose your words
Migraines are one aspect of your life that will always need explaining. Whether it’s a missed lunch date or showing up to work an hour late because of migraines, there will be many scenarios in your relationships where you’ll feel pressured to find the right words to explain chronic pain without offending or disappointing others- a difficult task when you’re in the middle of a stage 3 migraine attack.
Instead of just “winging it” and risking losing your job and your friends, plan what you’re going to say in each social situation:
 To your loved ones, be honest. Explain to them that you suffer from immense pain, and that you struggle with feelings of anger, depression, and despair. Or, talk to a therapist about how migraines affect your relationships. Either way, you have to find a release for your emotional suffering, lest it come out in an angry outburst, instead.- When people make offhand comments to you like “why can’t you just take an Advil,” or ,”well, my mom gets headaches all the time, but she doesn’t let it keep her from working,” try not to get defensive. If possible, calmly explain that migraine headaches are a symptom of a neurological disorder, and that what works for one person in treating migraine headaches might not work for many others.
- When you must cancel plans like going to a birthday, kindly emphasize that you are truly sorry that you have to miss the occasion, and that you will do all in your power to show up if you are able.
- To your boss, explain that you suffer from chronic migraines, and that you will make up any time missed from work when you are recuperated. That will help to strengthen your work relationship and keep you employed.
Helping Others Understand Migraines- 8 Communication Tips
Talk about it on a good day
Most of us can’t focus on having a serious conversation about relationships while we’re in the middle of a migraine with aura. The next time you have a day without pain, or at least a day that registers #3 on the pain charts, try to have an impromptu discussion with certain people about how migraines are affecting you, and ways they can help.
Give them a rain check
Instead of completely cancelling activities with your friends, try to schedule something for a different date- an activity that is relatively migraine-free. Your friends and family will be less disappointed if they know that you truly want to see them, and that you are trying to work them into your life.
Give yourself a household chore…any chore
Think of inventive ways to contribute to household chores that don’t trigger migraines. If pushing a vacuum cleaner leaves you with a pounding headache, then either delegate that chore to somebody else, or find a way to keep the carpet clean by brushing with a wet broom, for example. Try washing the dishes while seated, by pushing a tall stool over to the sink.
Including yourself in household tasks, at any level, is crucial for maintaining a healthy relationship with your family.
Migraine Sufferer to World: It’s not just a Headache, People!
Join a migraine community
Can’t relate to non-migraineurs? Join the crowd. Both online and in person, many migraine support groups are available that provide a venue for your venting…without raising your blood pressure. For starters, join Migravent on Facebook!
Lean on them
Many times, migraine sufferers’ relationships become strained because others want to help, but don’t know how to ask. Don’t be shy about enlisting your friends and family in your fight against migraine disorder. Ask for help, if for no other reason than to give people a chance to do something for you.
Remember, caring is not something you feel, but something that requires practice.
Cut them some slack
We are all flawed human beings, and some of us are just not cut out for nursing…or even making sensitive comments when it’s appropriate. Don’t hold grudges against people who fail you; just accept that many of us are “damaged goods,” and try to empathize. Let go of the people who really hurt you, and try to live with the rest.
Please tell us…
Have you found that chronic pain has taught you who your friends are? Please share your experiences and life lessons.
Do you have any questions or suggestions? Please leave your comments below.
Tell your friends!
If you found this article helpful, then please share with your friends, family, and coworkers by email, Facebook, or Google+.
Read more about migraines and relationships:
35 Things you should never tell a Chronic Migraine Sufferer
Managing your Migraines at Work- 4 Healthy Changes in Attitude
Sources:
How to Manage Relationships & M Words
When Migraines Endanger Our Friendships
Tags: Chronic pain migraines, migraine attacks, migraine headache, migraine triggers, Migraines, Migraines and relationships
Posted in Stress and Migraines | No Comments »
|
