Practicing Self-Care Is One of the Best Ways Migraine Patients Can Empower Themselves. Here’s How.

Migraine can impact relationships and affect one’s self-confidence. This invisible disease often makes patients feel helpless, lonely and misunderstood. However, by educating yourself, spreading awareness and finding help, you can manage your migraine and minimize its disruptive effects. Below are some tips on how to become your own best advocate.

Educate yourself

Common migraine myths plague even those who actually have migraine, exacerbating the stress and anxiety of living with chronic illness. Check out our article on the top 10 migraine myths and the truth behind the fiction. To go even further, you can use this free guide to narrow down what type of migraine you have, which will allow you to articulate your condition more precisely to loved ones or the family doctor. Once you know what kind of migraine you have, read up on how to best manage your symptoms.

In addition to medications and various non-pharmacological treatments, there are lifestyle changes you can make to mitigate the frequency, severity and duration of migraine attacks. For some people, even adopting a more regular sleeping pattern or eating a healthier diet can make a big difference.

Spread awareness

People living with migraine often have difficulty finding other individuals who can truly empathize with their pain, but know that you’re not alone. Migraine occurs in a staggering 1 out of every 4 households, so chances are, you have friends, family members or acquaintances who struggle with it too.

An easy way to find other members of the migraine community is by engaging with online groups such as our Move Against Migraine Facebook Group, where you can instantly connect with thousands of other people who share the same condition as you, as well as exchange stories, support and advice. By seeking out other people who live with migraine, you are also more likely to hear about new advocacy opportunities, as well as the latest research on treatments.

Find help

If you have not pursued help for your migraine from a health care professional, you may want to consider making an appointment. While a general physician may have some helpful advice, you can get more specialized care by going to a doctor whose training includes a concentration in headache medicine. This course of action is especially important if your migraine is disabling, or you’re having trouble pinpointing the right treatment plan for you. Fortunately, the American Migraine Foundation has a Find a Doctor tool that can help you easily locate a headache specialist in your area.

The American Migraine Foundation has an extensive collection of information related to living with migraine. Click here to view our resource library. For more information on how to support someone with migraine, download a free copy of our guide.