Migraine Etiquette: 8 Ways To Be An Awesome Migraine Supporter

By Tonilyn Hornung

2 min read

My family has superpowers. While they can’t leap over tall buildings in a single bound, they can read my mind. Their super-duper mind-reading powers go into effect when I have a super-duper migraine. When my brain begins to boil, the only way to settle the simmering is for me to lie still and speechless in bed. Speaking while migraining brings on a pain akin to dropping bowling balls on my head. Always on the lookout for ways not to draw any more spares, my husband and parents' help has proven invaluable.

Moving into action when migraine hits

When a migraine hits, my family knows how to come to my aid. I rarely have to mumble an unintelligible word. Mr. Husband will bring me an ice pack and order pizza for my dinner. My mom knows to shut the curtains tight and have some water handy. It has taken some trial and error, but they have been gracious enough to help me take care of me. My family is my awesome migraine support system. The best part is, we’ve come up with a system and discovered some helpful “Dos and Don’ts” along the way.

Migraine support dos and don'ts

Don’t shout from the doorway expecting me to yell back. Do quietly step into the room and whisper your question.
Don’t breeze by while I'm struggling to shield to my eyes like a vampire in the sunlight saying, “You’re up! Wanna watch Game of Thrones?” Do help me find my sunglasses so I can navigate my endless walk to the bathroom with greater ease.
Don't ask me if you think I’ll be ready in an hour to make that movie. Do reassure me that there will be another movie we can see together.
Do keep the dogs from playing tag on the bed.
Don’t open all the curtains in the morning to show me how gorgeous the day is. Do keep the blinds closed when my brain is boiling at temperatures hotter than the sun.
Don't bring me a huge bowl of chili with hot sauce for dinner. Do order me an awesome cheese pizza.
Don't lock the bathroom door. Do keep the bathroom free, and the toilet seat up, for nausea emergencies.
Don’t ask me how much longer you think I’ll be in bed. Do reassure me that my pain will be done soon.

Making migraine more tolerable

My family's mind-reading ability makes my days in bed easier to tolerate. Sure, the pain is still there, but knowing they're there to support me gives me peace of mind. My family members are the real superheroes of my migraine filled days.

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glassmind Member
What wonderful family you have! Mine has learned my specifics also and are generally dreamy angelic aids. A major migraine symptom for me is depression, deep and hopeless that sets in as the pain increases. And I feel like a lazy burden. In addition to mechanical help, One of the best things they do is simply whisper "You are awesome. We all love you. We take turns caring for each other. This will pass." So grateful for my support team. Glad you have a good one, too! Air hugs
1. lbtowers Member
 Peggy, do you consume any caffeine in your daily diet?
2. glassmind Member
 Peggy, Thank you for the resource. In fact I have Bipolar Disorder, which I have been in treatment for decades. The depression I experience with and resulting from Migraine is separate from and differs in expression from the depression I experience with Bipolar Disorder. My primary doctor, psychiatrist, and neurologist are all very understanding and helpful in navigating and treating the different sources from which my depressive episodes arise. Also, as my Migraine Disorder has responded positively to treatment, my Bipolar Disorder has also experienced alleviation. I was diagnosed with two sleep disorders (REM Behavior Disorder and Periodic Limb Movement Disorder) by my neurologist. It is in the treatment of these that the other conditions have improved (as has pain from EDS and arthritis.) It is the understanding of my neurologist that the sleep disorders were primary to Migraine, while other factors still contribute, and I am in agreement. Good sleep is essential for health and poor sleep can cause or exacerbate a myriad of health concerns. I am ever so grateful that after 20+ years of requesting help for sleep disruption, trying various therapies, and practicing "good sleep hygiene" to little avail, I have finally found significant (even if partial) relief of my sleep troubles and subsequently Migraine and other conditions. I wish the same for all. Whatever the cause(s) of any one person's Migraine and/or other conditions, may each find effective therapies and experience the best health possible. Air hugs to All!
kate77 Member
Oh my god, cheese pizza is the only food that makes the barfing stop. My husband always has pizza and ginger ale on the ready whenever I’m ready to eat again.
1. Tonilyn Hornung Contributor
 Hi there! What a great husband you have! having your key founds available for you! 😀 How interesting that cheese pizza makes your nasuea and vomitting end. Thanks for sharing that! I love hearing stories about what foods work for other suffers. All the best!