top of page
Search

🤯Migraine & Headache Awareness Month: Understanding the Pain Behind the Silence

  • Writer: An'Mari Liebenberg
    An'Mari Liebenberg
  • 13 hours ago
  • 3 min read

June is Migraine and Headache Awareness Month—a time dedicated to bringing light to a very real, yet often invisible struggle. If you or someone you know experiences migraines or chronic headaches, you already understand how disruptive, painful, and misunderstood these conditions can be.


While headaches are common, migraines are much more than “just a headache.” Let’s talk about what migraines and chronic headaches really are, how they impact daily life, and what steps you can take to manage or support others going through it.



💢What Is a Migraine, Really?

A migraine is a complex neurological disorder that involves intense, throbbing head pain—often on one side—along with other symptoms such as nausea, sensitivity to light and sound, dizziness, and even visual disturbances known as “auras.”


According to the American Migraine Foundation, migraines affect over 1 billion people worldwide. That’s more than asthma, epilepsy, and diabetes combined.


It’s not just pain—it’s a full-body experience that can last hours or even days.



🧠Types of Headaches

Understanding the type of headache you have is key to treatment:


  • Tension headaches: The most common type—dull, aching pain, usually across the forehead or back of the head.

  • Migraine headaches: Often severe, accompanied by nausea, light sensitivity, and throbbing pain.

  • Cluster headaches: Rare but extremely painful; come in cycles and often occur at night.

  • Sinus headaches: Caused by sinus infections and inflammation; often confused with migraines.


Each type may need a different approach, which is why proper diagnosis is crucial.



🧩What Causes Migraines and Chronic Headaches?

There isn’t a single answer—triggers and causes vary from person to person. Some common migraine triggers include:


  • Hormonal changes (especially in women)

  • Stress or anxiety

  • Certain foods or drinks (chocolate, cheese, alcohol, caffeine)

  • Lack of sleep or changes in sleep patterns

  • Weather changes or bright lights

  • Strong smells or loud noises


Genetics also play a major role. If migraines run in your family, you’re more likely to experience them.



🌪️Living with Migraines: The Invisible Impact

The World Health Organization lists migraines as one of the top 10 most disabling medical conditions in the world. Yet, many people suffer in silence, misunderstood by coworkers, friends, and even doctors.


Migraines can impact:


  • Productivity at work or school

  • Social life and relationships

  • Mental health, increasing the risk of anxiety and depression


Because it’s an “invisible illness,” people often feel isolated or dismissed. That’s why awareness matters—so those suffering feel seen and supported.



💡Tips to Manage Migraines and Headaches

While there’s no universal cure, you can manage migraines and chronic headaches with the right care and lifestyle changes. Here are some expert-recommended strategies:


  1. Identify your triggers

    Keep a headache diary to track what you eat, how you sleep, and what you feel before and after an episode.


  2. Maintain a regular routine

    Try to sleep, eat, and exercise at the same times each day. Consistency helps reduce migraine frequency.


  3. Manage stress

    Practice relaxation techniques like yoga, meditation, or deep breathing exercises.


  4. Stay hydrated

    Dehydration is a major trigger for many people. Aim for at least 8 glasses of water a day.


  5. Seek medical advice

    Talk to a neurologist or headache specialist. They may prescribe preventive medication or suggest treatments like CGRP inhibitors, Botox injections, or biofeedback therapy.


  6. Don’t suffer in silence

    Join a support group or reach out to communities like the Migraine Research Foundation or National Headache Foundation.



💜Why Awareness Month Matters

June isn’t just about education—it’s about empathy. People living with migraines and chronic headaches often look “fine” on the outside while battling pain inside. Raising awareness helps fight stigma, promotes better treatment access, and reminds those suffering that they are not alone.


So this June, whether you’re a patient, a loved one, or simply someone learning—take a moment to recognize the courage it takes to live with a condition that no one else can see.


📚 Sources:






 
 
 

Comments

Rated 0 out of 5 stars.
No ratings yet

Add a rating
Liebenberg, A- Foto_edited.jpg

Hi, thanks for stopping by!

May this space be a safe, loving, learning and enjoyable space for you to share and learn. Feel free to interact and create a community of friends supporting each other.

Happy reading.

Let the posts
come to you.

Thanks for submitting!

    What would you like to hear more of?

    Thanks for submitting!

    Let me know what health topics you would like to read more about.

    © 2035 by Turning Heads. Powered and secured by Wix

    bottom of page