Emotional state?
I have a migraine 24/7 and have tried almost everything, nothing has ever worked, so I have no idea about the answer to my question, which is-
Do migraines make you depressed?
As in, do they have an active detrimental effect on how your emotions work in your brain, is it an actual physical change, or just a psychological side effect of living in hell?
I've had a migraine constantly for the last nine years, so I can't remember what I used to be like.
I'd love an answer from someone who suffered severely, or suffered like I do, but no longer does.
I'm sorry to hear that you've been enduring a migraine cycle for so long. I understand how awful that can be. Depression is a very common comorbid condition with migraine. Here is a link to some information and experiences of depression and its impact on the lives of migraine sufferers.
https://migraine.com/search?s=depression
There are many ways depression can affect you both physically and psychologically. You are definitely not alone in what you are experiencing. I hope the link gives you some good insights. Remember we are here for your support whenever you need us! Have an awesome day. Warmly, Cheryl migraine.com team
Living with daily chronic migraine is debilitating, exhausting and frustrating. I am so sorry you live like this. We're here for you! Let me see what information I can share with you that may be helpful.
Asmentioned depression may occur along with migraine. Depression, or lower mood, trouble concentrating and more can all be symptoms of a migraine attack. Here is an article from one of our contributors you may find useful; https://migraine.com/blog/depression-migraines-unpleasant-cousin This interview wit Dr. Dawn Buse I find very informative; https://americanheadachesociety.org/news/qa-dr-dawn-buse-migraine-depression-anxiety/.
Have you had a chance to discuss this with your doctor? And speaking of doctors, I hear you when it feels like you've tried everything out there for migraine. Please don't despair - there are over 100 medications, supplements, devices, complementary therapies and lifestyle modifications that can be used to treat migraine and most of us use a combination of these, I sure do.
The last thing I'd like to touch base on is doctors. Have you had an opportunity to see a doctor who is a true expert in treating headache and migraine? General neurologists may be fine doctors but have a hard time being experts in one area because they treat many conditions such as stroke, epilepsy, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson's and more. A true migraine/headache disease doctor treats migraine and headache all day, every day and is certified in headache medicine. Here is more information on how these doctors are different and how to find one;
https://migraine.com/blog/really-find-headache-specialist/
https://migraine.com/blog/seeing-a-board-certified-headache-specialist/
https://migraine.com/living-migraine/change-thoughts-new-care/
https://headaches.org/resources/healthcare-provider-finder.
Please let me know what you think and I wish you a low pain day, Nancy Harris Bonk, Patient Leader/Moderator MIgraine.com Team
Hey there. My heart goes out to you. Depression is so tough to deal with and hard to swim through. You're definitely not alone -- many of us here have been there or still are. We're here for you! I know you've been given a lot of links to check out, but let me offer you one more. While it's not about depression specifically, it does talk about the significant mood changes that can happen either directly because of what's going on in the brain, or just dealing with chronic illness.
https://migraine.com/living-migraine/cranky-before-attack
I also remember that our advocate Holly Harding just shared about how her usually calm personality was completely unsettled on a migraine day. She was forgetful, agitated and impatient, only to experience a migraine not long afterward. It's a real thing!
Have you sought any kind of counseling for your symptoms, and have you mentioned them to your doctor? It can be hard to imagine adding something else to your list of health concerns, but your mental health deserves the same TLC as your body does.
Hope some of that is useful. Sending a hug your way tonight. -Melissa, migraine.com team