Understanding Even When YOU Don't Have Migraines

• If fragrances are a trigger for them, don't wear perfume or other fragranced products around them. Your perfume can make them as ill as the odor of raw sewage would probably make you.
• If you're out with a friend or coworker when they get a Migraine, offer to drive them home. The nausea, oversensitivity to light and sound, slowed reflexes, and other symptoms makes it difficult and potentially dangerous for them to drive.
• If you have a coworker or employee whose Migraines are triggered by your office lighting, work with them to change it.
• When a Migraineur has to change or cancel plans with you, be patient with them. I can promise you that it gets really old for them having to put their lives on hold for Migraines. Better yet, if you'd planned to go out, see if the person with the Migraine is up to a brief visit. Make them tea, get them an ice pack, and just sit with them -- if they're up to it. Migraines can be very lonely and isolating.

All in all, remember that:

• Migraine is a disease. We have no choice in the matter. Sometimes medications work; sometimes they don't. It's not our fault.
• Migraine is physical, not psychological.
• you can make matters better or worse for the Migraineurs in your life.

Just show Migraineurs the same consideration that you would anyone who is ill. They'll appreciate it. And you'll be a hero in my eyes.

Coping with severe headaches and Migraine disease for over 40 years has brought me to the realization that learning about Migraine disease and headaches can allow us to work with our doctors as treatment partners toward fewer Migraine, better health, and a better quality of life. Please join us at MyMigraineConnection.com for information and support or for a transcript of this podcast. From MyMigraineConnection.com and the HealthCentral Network, this is Teri Robert reminding you that you can live well with Migraine disease and headaches.

© Teri Robert, 2009.
Published February 1, 2009.