Having spent the last five years struggling to find ways to manage (or should I say control) my current migraine status (I've had migraines since a child), I recently decided a little support from counselling would be a good idea.  Best decision I have made in a long while as the counsellor helped me to realise that I had become so focussed on finding ways to control the migraines, that my life was on hold until the right solution was found!  Nothing has changed lately, still using the preventatives, abortives and whatever else is needed, still visiting the doc very regularly and still unable to work or study .... however ... The counsellor helped me to consider my future if I don't get this under control, which previously wasn't in my vocabulary.  She helped me to work towards acceptance of my condition, which previously wasn't in my vocabulary, and also with that acceptance encouraged me to work with what I do have, not with what I don't. 

I must admit to initially fighting the ideas she gently introduced, but now I am able to see a future with migraines continuing at this level, as well as a future if they should be reduced back to how they used to be.  This acceptance has included applying for a disability pension to support me, not fighting against myself so hard and finding ways to reduce the sensory impact of life which often is a trigger.

Here's an idea that may be useful to others:  I now wear 50% tint glasses when there is artificial lighting and especially inside a shopping mall.  I've also found the constant noise reverberating at the shops, in restaurants, etc. exacerbates my migraines and so have simply bought some foam earplugs and cut them in half so they don't stick out (vanity strikes).  I have worn them a few times lately and together with the tinted glasses my excursions into the artificial world which surrounds me is much much happier!

I've probably gabbled on a bit, but I hope that my experience may be of use to some of my fellow migraineurs!

Carol xxx