Newly Diagnosed? What I Can Tell You About Migraine

So you’ve just been diagnosed with migraine. Your mind is probably racing in search of answers to questions you haven’t had a chance to formulate yet. Have a seat, my friend. Let’s chat about your newly identified condition.

First, I’d like to say I’m sorry you must join the millions of people with migraine. Second, I’d like to say welcome to the group. You may be discouraged by learning there is no cure for your disease, but I assure you that your situation is not hopeless.

Building a strong management plan starts with a solid foundation. Attitude. Know that your journey will not be easy, and it will not be fast, but you can learn to live a good life with migraine. Be an active participant in leading your life in a positive direction by attacking migraine head-on.

Migraine comes in many shapes and sizes. Determine which version of the illness you have and start learning. First and foremost, it’s important to put some effort into uncovering your personal triggers. Keeping an episode diary is helpful to narrow down the suspects. Once you know your triggers, you can develop a plan to minimize exposure to those triggers. Prevention isn’t a cure, but it can decrease the frequency of episodes.

Whether in person or online, it’s best to use trusted sources to gather information about migraine. There’s a lot of misinformation out there, so exercise some caution and common sense. If you’re told the neighbor of a co-worker’s uncle’s ex-wife rubbed pickle juice on her forehead and was miraculously cured, then you should be skeptical. There’s no need for you to walk around smelling like a pickle. Take advice with a realistic grain of salt.

The effect of migraine ripples outward from you. While you’re educating yourself, share that knowledge with your friends, family, and co-workers. Look past the ones who judge and label you, and you’ll find the supportive people who understand and care.

There are lots of preventive and abortive tools at your disposal. Find a medical professional to arm you with medicine that works for your version of migraine. Utilize social media to ask other migraine warriors for tips on how to live with migraine, including diet, exercise, meditation, and lighting adjustments for cellphones and computers.

Every little bit helps. Don’t stop educating yourself either. Advancements are being made in the understanding and treatment of our condition and you can only benefit from those advancements if you know they exist.

I’ll say it again. The journey will not be easy, and it will not be fast. You will not always be in control of your migraine disease, and you will not win every battle in the fight. There will be times when a migraine will put your life on a shelf for a while. Allow yourself moments of despair. Just don’t set up a permanent residence there.

Migraine is personal, but you’re not alone. Your fellow warriors are beside you, ready to lend an understanding hand to shade you from the blinding light and quiet the noise for you. We’re happy to share what we know, and knowledge is the greatest weapon to wield against our common enemy.

Remember, you are strong and capable and that standing your ground to protect your health is brave.

Tap into a community of fellow migraineurs on Facebook. Learn, share, connect in our Migraine Support Community.

Originally published at WebMD.com on 6-13-22.