Migraine Awareness Week

I first really became aware of migraines when my mother start to be effected when she went through menopause. I’d estimate that she last one to two days a months from migraines. So clear it is a matter of great concern.

Interestingly Migraine Action last year published some very useful research on the impact of migraines on people in the UK.

They said:

“Affecting careers

Over half (51%) stated that their headaches / migraines stop them reaching their full potential at work
A third (33%) have decided not to apply for a new job because of their headaches / migraine or say they believe that colleagues are not supportive when they have a headache / migraine (35%)
30% say that headaches / migraines have prevented them from holding down a regular job. This increases to nearly half of those with chronic migraine (48%)
Nearly a quarter (23%) are worried about losing their job because of their headache / migraine
Nearly a fifth (19%) have lost a job in the past because of their headache / migraine. This increases to nearly a third (32%) for those with chronic migraine

Affecting social lives

63% state that their headaches / migraines stop them having ‘a good night out’
Over half (55%) often have to cancel on friends because of the headaches / migraines
Over a third (36%) feel unable to make long term plans for social activities because of their headaches / migraines
Nearly a fifth (19%) have fewer friends because of migraines. This increases to 35% for those with chronic migraine

Affecting family life

Around half feel they are missing out on a normal family life because of their headaches / migraines and that they are sometimes a burden on their family (both 47%)
Headaches and migraine stop those affected spending as much time as they’d like with family (45%)
43% have missed out on an important family occasion, such as a wedding or anniversary, because of their headaches / migraines

Affecting personal relationships

A fifth (20%) are worried that headaches / migraines will drive them apart from their partners
A third say their headaches / migraines can cause arguments with their partner (33%) and put a great strain on their love life (32%)
43% often avoid sex because of their headaches / migraines”

Now this is pretty strong stuff and we wondered to what extent it is true in your case.

It would be great if you share your experiences in the comment boxes below.

You might like to think in terms of the following questions:-

a) Do you suffer from migraines and for how long have you been suffering from migraines?
b) What treatments for migraines have you used and how effective were their treatments?
c) What were the effects of migraines on your social life?
d) What were the effects of migraines on your working life?
e) What were the effects of migraines on your family life?
f) What advice would you give to somebody who has just started to suffer from migraines?

Anything you what to share will be of great interest to our readers.

Many thanks in advance!