Is there a connection between anxiety and migraine?
I realize that anxiety and migraines are comorbid in many people but I am just wondering, does anyone have the two conditions but they seem completely independent of each other? I have had migraines since 2009, but I didn't get anxiety attacks until 2016. I don't get anxious about my migraines (though I do get stressed or even depressed about them at times, but not anxious), and my anxiety attacks don't seem to cause migraines, at least not that I can tell. Just wondering if this is the case for anyone else.
HI LizShelton,
Thank you for your question. Yes, there is a connection. I'm not sure we know the exact nature. I think I've been anxious all my life but migraine disease didn't start until I hit puberty. Those of us with migraine disease are "two to five times more to have anxiety" (according to the American Migraine Foundation) and more anxiety may mean more migraine attacks. Of course that's not always the case.
If you haven't seen our information on anxiety here is a link for you; https://migraine.com/?s=anxiety&submit=Go.
I hope this helps!
NancyThank you! I had wondered if my anxiety was just a very delayed reaction to my migraines but the two just don't seem to set each other off, so even they exist together, they are separate...if that makes any sense. I appreciate you taking the time to answer. I am still researching the connections and I appreciate the link you provided. Hope you have a wonderful day.
LizShelton,
I also have migraines, depression, anxiety with an order of Bipolar on the side. I find that I get very depressed with my migraines and there is definitely a stress component, but I agree with you, my anxiety is completely independent of my migraines. I get anxious when I have to go to the dentist or even sometimes when I have a therapy appointment, but the migraines themselves do not cause and are not caused by anxiety. I had actually never really thought about it until I read your post, because they just simply weren't related.
Hope you are having a migraine free day,
DanaThank you for your feedback Dana! I had wondered if I were the only one whose anxiety and migraines seemed to have nothing to do with each other. I get anxious about many things but I don't have anxiety about my migraines. Fear, dread, bitterness, anger, sadness - but not anxiety! Lol some days are better than others. I hope your day is pain free as well and that you are having a wonderful day in general!
