What is the most unhinged thing you will do?
Migraines have been part of my story longer than most people realize.
Not “bad headaches.”
Not “drink more water.”
Actual migraines, the kind that hijack your vision, your stomach, your plans, and your patience.
I’ve learned how to:
• function through pain when I shouldn’t have to
• cancel plans without over explaining
• advocate for myself in rooms where I wasn’t taken seriously
• grieve the version of me that didn’t have to plan life around pain
Some days I manage them.
Some days they manage me.
Both things can be true.
If you live with migraines, I see you.
And if you don’t, please believe people when they say they’re in pain.
🖤
What’s one thing migraines have changed in your life that no one talks about?
Migraines are often dismissed as mere bad headaches, but anyone who experiences them knows they are much more severe and disruptive. From my personal experience, migraines aren’t just painful—they can hijack your entire day and affect every aspect of your life. One of the most unhinged things I’ve done to stop a migraine is to lie down in complete darkness and silence for hours, sometimes in the middle of important plans or work. It often feels like the only way to manage the overwhelming sensory overload. Many don’t realize how migraines affect mental health; the constant pain and unpredictability can lead to anxiety and depression, especially when trying to explain the condition to others who expect quick fixes like "just drink water." I’ve also had to develop the skill to cancel social events without feeling guilty or needing to over-explain—because sometimes the pain is invisible but utterly incapacitating. Advocating for oneself is an ongoing challenge. I’ve had to insist on proper medical care and accommodations in various settings where migraine sufferers are often misunderstood or dismissed. This personal advocacy has been empowering but exhausting. Beyond coping strategies, migraines deeply change how you view your body and time. You grieve the version of yourself who could spontaneously enjoy activities without worrying about triggers. Each migraine can feel like a loss of control, but learning to accept that some days the migraine manages you—and that’s okay—has been a form of healing. If you live with migraines, know you are not alone, and your experiences are valid and deserving of belief and support. For those who haven’t experienced migraines, listening and believing those who do is a vital step toward greater awareness and compassion. Sharing these stories helps break down stigma and opens the door for better care and understanding.
