Chronic Migraine, Mental Health, and Invisible Illness Stigma

By Amanda Workman

2 min read

Mental health illnesses are commonly thought of as stigmatized conditions. Additionally, other conditions that face a lot of stigmatization are invisible illnesses. A large portion of society does not believe mental health illnesses or invisible illnesses to be real or actual health conditions.

How is mental health stigmatized?

While some people do not validate mental health issues at all, others consider individuals with mental health issues to be a danger to themselves and to society. Due to the side effects of some mental health conditions, some individuals label these people as a drain on society since they tend not to be as productive as individuals without mental health problems.

How has my mental health been perceived?

My mental health issues have been challenged by my own family members. Certain family members completely discredit the idea of any mental health illnesses. They believe you simply need to be more positive, and everything will go away. My own family members feel like my past trauma of almost dying should be simply behind me now. Even worse, I have had to suffer through comments from my own family about how I am simply seeking attention.

What impact has it had?

All this kind of judgment leads individuals with mental health conditions to not seek treatment or to not continue with treatment. Due to the harsh opinions of other people in my life, I have decided to find both a psychologist and a psychiatrist online through Doctor on Demand.

This is comforting because I am being treated in the comfort of my own home. It is also nice that if I cry during a session, I do not have to journey home afterward. These factors make it much easier for me to continue my treatment.

How is chronic migraine stigmatized?

Chronic migraine itself can be stigmatized. This happens a lot since it is an invisible health condition. This is the case since chronic migraine does not show itself the same visibly. It is not visible like a broken leg and does not show up on tests, such as cancer or other health conditions. This can cause others to discredit the effects of chronic migraine.

How has it impacted my treatment?

Unfortunately, the invisible nature of chronic migraine can make it more difficult to find a doctor to take the situation seriously. I cannot even count how many doctors I have seen in order to get my chronic migraine treated and taken seriously.

How has my mental health treatment been?

Mental health issues are also considered the be invisible illnesses. In most cases, individuals can acquire treatment for mental health issues quicker than something like chronic migraine. I have been lucky enough to have all of the therapists I have seen believe my issues. The hard part for me is explaining everything from the beginning when I start seeing a new therapist.

Invisible does not mean less serious

While health conditions such as mental health issues and chronic migraine may be invisible illnesses, that does not mean that they are less serious than more visible illnesses. Individuals suffering from these conditions may face stigma from family, friends, society, and even health care practitioners in some cases. It is important that individuals do not give up on seeking the necessary care they need and deserve. Sometimes we have to fight for proper care, and it is important to know that it is okay to do so.

This article represents the opinions, thoughts, and experiences of the author; none of this content has been paid for by any advertiser. The Migraine.com team does not recommend or endorse any products or treatments discussed herein. Learn more about how we maintain editorial integrity here.

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wirr Member
Probably one of the most important secondary issues for those affected! Luckily I have 100% support from my close family. They notice if I fall over or bang my head on the table, not to mention all the other symptoms (vestibular migraine). They get that I'm not an actor. I can think of 2 short stories on the subject. My sister-in-law had a sudden hearing loss a few years ago and was unable to work for many weeks due to dizziness/vertigo. She tried to talk to me every day and kept asking me how I could cope with the dizziness/vertigo and the constant nausea and at the same time manage the house and garden. I was her best friend on the subject. After the illness was over, I was back in the background. When she had forgotten how badly she was doing, she once said to my wife that she had left me long ago. That would be unbearable and one could also overdo it. How quickly people forget. Story 2 I went through a psychotic depression in late 2018 while taking flunarizine. Psychiotic in this context is delusional. That was the most horrible thing I've ever had to go through besides the migraine. Then both at the same time. You would never think it possible to take something positive from it. Only after you've gotten over it, of course. To have had the experience and the absolute eye-opener of how incredibly difficult this disease is. Mental illness is just a classification doctors came up with to put in a box. To categorize them. That says nothing about the disease. Only those who had something like that themselves can judge. Even a doctor is not able to do this if he was not affected himself. The bad thing is that even supposedly depressed people say about other sufferers that depression is no excuse for everything. A few weeks ago I read a study which makes it clear that the number of unreported cases of misdiagnosis of depression is extremely high. This, of course, further fuels the stigma. No one can pull themselves together with major depression. Anyone who claims that has never had one. At my worst, I wasn't able to make a packet of instant noodles! And if you're laughing now, I wish you lots of experience. (Yes, I'm angry. But maybe that's just pure desperation in the face of a lack of understanding and hostilities.) Even if this isn't about migraines (luckily the title was "invisible diseases&quot😉, the stigmatization is so clear because the trigger to suicide from this treatment is greatly increased by people in denial who should just be happy they never had such an experience. I don't think that will change until everyone has gone through REAL depression, or has real migraines, and doesn't call some "minor" type of headache a migraine.
1. wirr Member
 <inline-mention username="DonnaFA" user-id="3724070"/> "Look for the small bright moments every day, and hold on, just one more second, one more minute, one more hour, one more day." I hear you too! And absolutely loud and clear! If everyone could understand how much truth and insight there is in this sentence. Thank you!
2. Amanda Workman Moderator & Contributor
 <inline-mention username="wirr" user-id="3682405"/> I am so sorry that you have gone through all of this in your life. It had to be hard to hear somebody that you helped out say that to your wife. People do forget quickly. You are correct about that. I think so many people are quick to judge when they do not have those experiences. Almost everybody in my life has made a joke or snide comment about a condition or issue that I am living with. I truly think that some people believe they are above mental health issues and the effects they have on the rest of us. Many people that I know who live with chronic migraine, live with mental health issues as well. Depression and suicide seem to be at the top of the list. I just want them to know they are not alone. Sending you best wishes - Amanda W (team member)
DonnaFA Member
 Hi, <inline-mention username="wirr" user-id="3682405"/> It's nice to find family here. Thank you, too 🤗 Wishing you peace and joy. Warmly, Donna (Team member)
pigen51 Member
Wirr, I think that depression is almost always attached to chronic pain. And especially invisible pain, like migraines, or fibromyalgia or other types that are not able to be seen on a test. That is what makes it so hard to deal with at times, and hard to get disability coverage without a very long track record of your illness and the steps that it has taken to harm your life, such as missed work, drugs you have tried, doctors you have tried, etc. Wishing you a good New Year, and pain free days.
1. Holly Harding Moderator & Contributor
 <inline-mention username="pigen51" user-id="3906478"/> You are right that depression is a known comorbid condition that often accompanies migraine. However, the challenges that accompany chronic migraine are very demanding and emotionally depleting- so whether or not one is officially depressed, or emotionally exhausted - migraine asks so very much of us. This article speaks to this dynamic well: <a href='https://migraine.com/blog/depression-more-than-just-comorbid-conditions' target='_blank'>https://migraine.com/blog/depression-more-than-just-comorbid-conditions</a>. Thanks for chiming in with information and support. Also wishing you pain-free days and a good new year. Warmly- Holly <a href='https://-migraine.com' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer ugc'>-migraine.com</a> team.
CommunityMember7bf862 Member
What is the very worst is that no one around me really understands. I do have the next best thing, though...a husband who DOES believe me. He takes into consideration my life story, & helps me. It has even affected my memory, between the stress migraines, & the anxiety, etc. Now if things would just stop being so difficult, I might be able to heal a bit. A life of being responsible for everyone else (beginning when I was 6) just has me out of gas. (My sister was killed that year, my mom just quit functioning, & I had to take over everything but driving in running a house. My dad died when I was 17, & then I had to pay for everything, too. My grandparents outlived both of them, but my grandmother was such a witch that she wouldn't let my loving grandfather help me.)
1. Alene L. Brennan, RYT Moderator & Contributor
 <inline-mention username="CommunityMember7bf862" user-id="6740961"/> thank you for being willing to share so much of your journey. I'm sorry to hear that you've experienced so much trauma and grief over the years, especially starting at such a young age. Such emotional experience can have a physical impact on the body. I know stress has triggered a lot of migraines for me over the years. Have you been able to connect with a neurologist who headache specialist who might be able to support you in getting some relief? You've certainly had to overcome a lot of challenges, I give you a lot of credit for coming so far, and I'm especially grateful that you plugged into this community here so we can support you on your journey too. And we're certainly glad to hear that you have a wonderful husband by your side - that can make a huge difference! Best Alene, moderator
2. Alene L. Brennan, RYT Moderator & Contributor
 That sounds like a fascinating article about adverse childhood events and migraine. I'm curious to check it out, thanks for sharing so many resources! - Alene, moderator
CommunityMember7bf862 Member
Thank you! The more resources, the better. My trauma didn't end then, unfortunately. My 1st husband assaulted me & walked. I'm permanently unable to lift more than 10 lbs. My older son deserted me after the assault, but my younger remained true to me. He's currently helping me with a situation in which a surgeon's office failed to get pre-approval on post surgical care. Looking for a pro-bono attorney, because out of the $803 that I get, I'm already paying them just under $200. I would be homeless if my best friend hadn't bought a house for me. My ex ran off some of my friends, but never her, & my to-be 2nd husband also took care. I rely on those 3 people. My husband is much older than me, & I will have to live with 1 of the others when he passes, just so that I can cry in peace. I will look at the resources, but my migraines are the least of my problems. 
1. Holly Harding Moderator & Contributor
 <inline-mention username="CommunityMember7bf862" user-id="6740961"/> - Thank you so much for sharing more about your journey. You really are managing a heavy load of which migraine is only one component. As I read your story, what surfaced for me was noticing, that despite the hardship, loss, and trauma- key people have emerged for you with love and support. You've had a friend buy a house for you, your youngest child is an ally for you, and you have a supportive fiance. Many of us living with migraine are disabled and living on a very fixed income and small budget. It's impossible not to think about how our future years will unfold when we are dependent on others for support. You are not alone in this. This level of stress and worry tends to only further trigger migraine attacks. We are here for you as another table leg of support as you navigate your life with migraine and all that comes with it. Thinking of you, Holly (migraine.com team).
CommunityMember7bf862 Member
<img src="/content/images/2023/10/03/ddc44e033b08d70feadaa927a6d4c47e_medium.jpg" alt="Me with my younger grandson. I am not allowed to see the other. " class="uploaded-image"/>
CommunityMember7bf862 Member
Thanks! Waiting for the Imitrex to kick in. Kind words AND resources are wonderful!
1. Cheryl Picerno Moderator
 <inline-mention username="CommunityMember7bf862" user-id="6740961"/>, I'm praying that your Imitrex does its job so you can function without too much difficulty. Managing little ones is tough enough some days, even when we are feeling good, lol! Let us know how things are going as you are able. Warmly, Cheryl <a href='https://migraine.com' target='_blank'>migraine.com</a> team
CommunityMember7bf862 Member
Just have to wait to see if I can get out of paying for services that I have already received at home after my spinal fusion. The surgeon's office did not get them pre-approved, & I am supposed to pay for their mistake. I am missing out on more PT that I was supposed to have because I can't afford it. Sigh!
1. Cody Leach Community Admin
 That so frustrating that your surgeon didn't get the services pre-approved <inline-mention username="CommunityMember7bf862" user-id="6740961"/> . That shouldn't be your fault that they didn't hold up their end of the deal 🙁. Fingers crossed that it will get resolved soon, and that there we be a good outcome for you. Sending lots of positive vibes your way, - Cody (Team Member)
CommunityMember7bf862 Member
I will be calling a free legal advice line tomorrow. My dear son is trying so hard to help, bless him! 
1. Cody Leach Community Admin
 Were you able to call someone for legal advice, <inline-mention username="CommunityMember7bf862" user-id="6740961"/> ? Curious to hear what they had to say about your situation. - Cody (Team Member)
CommunityMember7bf862 Member
Also, thanks for the good vibes!
1. Holly Harding Moderator & Contributor
 <inline-mention username="CommunityMember7bf862" user-id="6740961"/> - So glad you have your son helping you in this endeavor. It is so nice when we can share the heavy load that comes with managing migraine. I'm so sorry you are having to deal with this. We are here for you and in this with you. Please let us know how things unfold - Thinking of you- Holly (migraine.com team).
CommunityMember7bf862 Member
It means a lot to me that my younger son cares. He is my rock. I try not to think about the older one. Take care 🙂 💕 
1. Holly Harding Moderator & Contributor
 <inline-mention username="CommunityMember7bf862" user-id="6740961"/> I'm so sorry for what happened with your assault and your older son not having your back. That is salt in the wound for sure. I'm guessing it tightens the bond between you and your younger son the way that he DOES have your back and is there for you. What a traumatic experience. We are sending you love and compassion. Warmly- Holly <a href='https://-migraine.com' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer ugc'>-migraine.com</a> team
CommunityMember7bf862 Member
Yes, it has, thank you. I wish that he was the one who lives in town, rather that the other, but as you can tell, that's not how my life works. At least I have a good reason for my migraines 🙃! But the older son wanted something recently so he was pleasant then. I'm used to it. The divorce was in 2016. He's 40. Maybe he will grow up sometime, but maybe not. But like I said, I'm used to it. Thanks for the kind words. 😊 Have a wonderful day!