Living with the Pain: Migraine Awareness and Action

Living with the Pain: Migraine Awareness and Action

Did you know migraines are not just “headaches”? They’re a debilitating neurological disease affecting more than 1 billion people worldwide. The American Migraine Foundation dedicates June to raising awareness about this misunderstood condition.

Overview
Migraines bring more than just pain—they often include nausea, vision disturbances, and sensitivity to sound and light. Yet, migraine sufferers endure stigma, with many being told to “just power through.” This month aims to break those misconceptions and provide better resources for migraine sufferers.

3 Facts
1. Migraines are three times more common in women than men due to hormonal triggers.
2. Chronic migraines are defined as having at least 15 headache days per month for three months.
3. Despite migraines being a widespread illness, many sufferers don’t get a proper diagnosis or treatment.

3 Things To Do
1. Keep a “migraine diary” to track triggers such as diet, sleep patterns, and stress.
2. Try stress-reduction techniques like yoga or guided meditation to reduce headache frequency.
3. Consult with a neurologist about treatment options tailored to your specific symptoms.

3 Resources
1. American Migraine Foundation – Research and community support.
2. National Headache Foundation – Tools for managing chronic headaches and migraines.
3. Move Against Migraine – Advocacy campaign led by migraine sufferers.