How Has Migraine Changed You?

By Holly Harding

Last Updated:

1 min read

For those of us living with chronic migraine, we may notice long-term impacts of the condition over time. Emotionally, physically, socially, and financially - from who we are to how we live there can be major shifts that occur due to the proactive measures and defense tactics we use against migraine. In this video, Holly explores the various ways chronic migraine can change us.

In the comment section below, we invite you to share the ways that migraine has changed you emotionally, physically, socially, financially or otherwise. We look forward to learning from you and are grateful you are with us.

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.

Join the conversation

Please read our rules before commenting.

Prettymomma Member

Hi Holly, Thank you so much for your video. You touched on so many levels of what we all go through physically, mentally, emotionally, socially, financially, and etc. It is hard to be positive about something that hurts us so much and causes so much pain. I have been on this journey now for over 14 years. I had a headache that came on suddenly and just never went away. I am a mother of 5 children and with that there is no time to have headaches. My kids are all grown now and instead of me pursuing a career, I am at home fulltime and disabled. That process alone , of getting disability, was very humiliating and demeaning and I sure went through a lot mentally with that, but in the end I finally won, so that is good. I also struggle with my spiritual walk with God. I have felt the guilt and the shame by other Christians who think that I am doing something wrong because I have a headache and it just doesn't go away. It has been to the point that it is just so demeaning and I feel so bad mentally that I just haven't been able to bring myself to go back to church. I can't be in the sanctuary during worship at most churches because the music is too loud and the lights are flashing, so I wait in the hall. And yes, I wear earplugs and sometimes sunglasses. It used to be that I could only see to read with the help of a magnifying glass because my eyesight fluctuated so bad and I had such bad double vision. So I had magnifying glasses all over the house and in my purse. It was so embarrassing pulling that out of my purse for literally everything. I now have glasses and that is a miracle. It is not because everything is getting better, it is because my eye doctor was able to get me a prescription and will change it as I need it. When I got my glasses I cried. I could see things in detail and I had not been able to do that for almost 15 years, Anyway, I know this is quite long, and I could write much, much more but definitely migraine has affected every area of my life and has affected those around me as well. I am so very grateful for this group. I just stumbled upon you one day and I have been blown away by all of your love and support. I really feel a part of something and I share the same pain as all of you. So one of my best positives is that I have a wonderful support group in <a href='https://migraine.com' target='_blank'>Migraine.com</a>. 😀 
1. Prettymomma Member
 
 Thank you so much Melissa, for your kind words. I will consider myself hugged😀 
2. Holly Harding Member
 
 <inline-mention username="Prettymomma" user-id="7002652"/> - you've got a whole crew who are hugging on you and sending love every day, my dear. Warmly- Holly <a href='https://-migraine.com' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer ugc'>-migraine.com</a> team.
azreynolds Member

<inline-mention username="Holly Harding" user-id="3755969"/> , Geez. Is there enough room to even cover it all?! My life is completely different! I used to be active, playing in bands, traveling all over the state entertaining people, physically active, strong, healthy, absolutely in love with my job, and active in church. Since migraine took over my life: #1 lost my job when I was 60, which in turn ruined my retirement funds; #2 lost all of my friends; #3 losstrong herfragrancesthe
azreynolds Member

Holly I keep getting cut off. I guess I'll have to stop posting.
1. azreynolds Member
 
 I'd finished the message and posted it, but more than half disappeared. If Holly is right that inserting at any point might cause it to drop words, that might be the reason. I try to go back and rewrite or correct words before hitting send. I will try to pay attention next posting. Thanks
2. Holly Harding Member
 
 <inline-mention username="azreynolds" user-id="3677307"/> - Again this shouldn't be so difficult- so I'm hoping it will be remedied on our end. But in the meantime, I encourage you to take the extra step of copying your post before you submit it. That way, if it comes up with parts that are not included, you can paste and repost it with the full version easily. That's what I do! Sending love, Annzie. Warmly- Holly <a href='https://-migraine.com' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer ugc'>-migraine.com</a> team.
Nancy Harris Bonk Member

<inline-mention username="azreynolds" user-id="3677307"/> Don't stop posting!! I'm sure it's just a glitch and as Alexa said, she is looking into things! I wanted to share with you that I completely understand how migraine disease has changed your life. Like you, my life now looks nothing like it did before chronic migraine took over. My new normal includes not being able to hold a full time job and being on SSDI, a divorce and very limited financial resources. I find this extremely frustrating. Some days I'm able to accept things more than others. Thank you for sharing, it makes us feel less alone. I'm sending you pain free wishes, Nancy Harris Bonk, Patient Leader/Moderator <a href='https://migraine.com' target='_blank'>Migraine.com</a> Team
kateymac Member

<inline-mention username="Holly Harding" user-id="3755969"/> Great video, Holly. How has it changed me, as a person? I’m afraid I feel mostly unwanted changes from 20+ years of daily migraine. I’m more pessimistic about life in general. I’m more impatient, frustrated, & angry. I’d say I usually even wake up angry. I’m sad because the grief keeps on coming with this illness. I’m lonely because friends can fall away over the years if you’re getting less functional with time. I have a really fun family but I’ve missed nearly every gathering/holiday for around 15 years. I was very active & social before. I grieve my former self. I’m also very self-conscious, and I feel like a burden to others. I strive to have more patience, to live mindfully, to be a peaceful person. Sometimes I can do that. I love my therapist, who helps me get there - over and over again. I’ve found a love of art that I wasn’t aware of before. It excites me to look through books of art, read about the lives of artists, and attempt a few forms of art, myself. I’m very grateful for that, and for the people who are still in my life. Long answer. There are smaller things I’ve learned to appreciate. Today that’s the wide open windows of this sweet & lightly breezy day. That really floats my boat. Love you all, Kate 🌷💕💕❤️ 
1. Holly Harding Member
 
 Dearest <inline-mention username="kateymac" user-id="3784217"/> - I deeply appreciate your honesty here. I think many of us (myself included) try hard to put a positive spin on a horrid condition. Doing so can have value but it also may not help others feel comfortable about sharing their harder feelings. I want to be sure to encourage everyone to show our true selves as that's what helps us to connect in the deepest way. Our society encourages us to keep our chins up despite pain and hardship. In truth, there is such importance in acknowledging and venting the challenges we face. Of course there is a balance as ruminating endlessly about difficulties can bring us further down- but focusing only on the positives can alienate many. There is a balance to be had here and, to that end, I absolutely love how you illustrate the many hard changes migraine has wrought in your life- but also show the importance and your ability to live in the moment and appreciate the small things. I've often said that migraine has slowed my life to a snail's pace- but that speed enables me to smell and see the flowers in all their glory. The way migraine slows us down also often results in a fair amount of reflection and introspection. That can be both a gift and a curse as we consider what we've gained and lost in this journey. Thanks as always for a thought-provoking post. I'm loving your instagram art and am so glad to know you. Warmly- Holly <a href='https://-migraine.com' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer ugc'>-migraine.com</a> team.