Our forums, our chat room, and my email show there is a very distressing problem being discussed. Entirely too many people don't understand us and our disease. These people include:
- doctors and other medical professionals who still don't know that Migraine is a neurological disease. Some recommend over-the-counter meds that don't help or want to send us to a psychiatrist because it's "all in our heads." Others think we're "drug seekers."
- spouses, other family members, and friends who plain "don't get it." There are some who really try, but just don't understand. There are others who think they understand, but are misinformed. Some get impatient when we can't do things. Others distance themselves from us. Some either don't know or believe that the perfume they insist on wearing makes us deathly ill. Migraine is a devastating disease. It can be devastating to marriages, other familial relationships, and friendships.
- bosses and coworkers who don't understand and won't do anything to accommodate us, but are only too glad to criticize or penalize us. Migraine Disease has ruined many careers. The work environment is probably where we have the least control over our exposure to triggers. The lighting may be totally fluorescent. Coworkers may wear strong fragrances. Supervisors may be unwilling to allow Migraineurs to come in late or leave early during a Migraine attack.
The three most important things to someone with Migraine Disease are:
- a good health care team
- Migraine education
- a good support system.
Unfortunately, all can be difficult to find and/or develop for many reasons:
- For too long, not much was know about Migraine Disease. As with most anything about which little is known, myths and stereotypes developed. It's difficult to dispel them. That has to be done through education. The general public has limited exposure to such education, and doctors don't always stay as up-to-date as we would like.
- Migraine is an invisible disease. Migraineurs don't have the outward symptoms of disease or treatment as do those who have cancer, heart disease, diabetes or epilepsy. We don't have casts on broken bones or bandages on outer wounds from Migraine.
- For someone who has never experienced a Migraine attack, it's extraordinarily difficult to comprehend the level of pain and disability that it causes.
What's the answer to these problems? I wish
there were an easy, "one-size-fits-all" answer, but nothing can solve the
problems in all situations. However, education can be a very effective tool. There are various resources available on this site to help:
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A letter, "RE: Understanding Migraine Disease and Migraineurs," is available for you to print and give to people. This letter explains some
of the basics of what Migraine is, how it affects us, some common Migraine
triggers, and the necessity of support.
Click HERE for this letter. - Anatomy of a Migraine
When many people think "Migraine" they think only of the pain of Migraine. In reality, a Migraine episode consists of far more. The typical Migraine episode actually consists of four parts, referred to as phases or components.
Click HERE for this article. - Beyond the Pain of Migraine
Studies published this month by the American Academy of Neurology show a decreased quality of life for Migraineurs and a link between Migraine and depression. Once again, it's shown that a Migraine is NOT just a headache.
Click HERE for this article. - Head Pain: NOT To Be Ignored!
"Better safe than sorry," could never be more true. More people died from Migrainous Stroke last year than were murdered by handguns. Don't take chances!
Click HERE for this article. - Headache and Migraine Care: As it SHOULD Be
People with Migraine Diseaseand other headache disorders often encounter problems getting proper and respectful treatment. Headache specialists and clinics can be the answer.
Click HERE for this article. - Migraines, Not Really "Headaches"
When people who don't have Migraines don't understand, it can be a problem. Let's start by realizing that Migraines aren't headaches.
Click HERE for this article. - REVIEW: A Guided Tour of Hell
"A Guided Tour of Hell: Migraine, in the Words of Its Sufferers." A book Migraineurs have been waiting for; a book we want our families, doctors, friends -- everyone with whom we come in contact -- to read.
Click HERE for this article.
There's no easy, "one-size-fits-all" answer, but the resources above give you what you need to provide those close to you with some very vital information. This can be where a solution begins - with us. Each of us, whether we're a Migraineur or not, can make a difference. Every person we educate is one less person who just "doesn't get it." Who knows? Maybe we can start a chain reaction!
