Migraines can have terrible effects on our lives. We see examples of this on our site too often, sometimes when members reach the point of considering suicide.

World Suicide Prevention Day is being held on September 10th this year, which is during National Suicide Prevention Week (September 5th - 11th, 2010). Consider these numbers:

• Suicide is the 11th leading cause of death in the United States based on national statistics in 2007, with an annual rate of approximately 11.5 per 100,000.² 

• Migraine disease on the other hand, is the 12th most disabling disorder in the United States and affects more than 37 million people.¹ 

• Americans who have Migraine with aura are three times more likely to attempt suicide compared to those with no migraine, whether or not major depression is also present.¹ 

These are some pretty sobering numbers.

Men seem to complete suicide at a higher rate compared to women, more than 3 times in fact, but women attempt suicide three times more than men do. In addition, people with a history of mental health issues (diagnosed) typically have a higher rate of suicide. We know Migraine may be comorbid with a number of mental health conditions including depression, bipolar disorder and anxiety. Even more interesting is that during psychological autopsies, studies have shown over 90% of competed suicides had one or more mental health disorders. If we add anxiety, depression, or other mental health conditions to an emotionally stressful situation, our problem solving skills may be reduced. All these factors may contribute to more suicidal thinking. It almost feels like a catch 22.

There have been conversations about suicide and suicidal thoughts on the MyMigraineConnection discussion forum recently. Some brave members have shared their very personal stories about their unrelenting, exhausting and frustrating Migraine pain and how easy it can be to feel that we're at the "end of our rope." Because Migraine disease can be so disabling, disruptive, and destructive, there are points in our lives when we may feel there is nowhere to turn and/or nothing to live for. This is one reason why it is imperative to have a good network of support and coping skills for managing Migraine disease, other headache disorders, or other illnesses.

Suicidal ideation, at times, could be centered on problems that may feel untreatable, unattainable or unsolvable, but this may be more perception than reality. Often times, when we feel like this, and our Migraine pain becomes too much to bear, there are those who feel like suicide is the only answer. It's as if there are no other solutions to bad situations, and we have no hopes of long-term pain relief. If you ever feel this way, please take a look at Migraines and Feeling Hopeless - Hang On!