Helping Others Understand Migraine
Speaking with your Employer about Migraine
You may be thinking about talking to your boss about your migraines. But every workplace is different, and how much you should disclose to your supervisors and to your co-workers is up to you. There may be a lot to be gained by broaching the subject. Telling your boss about your migraines may make you feel vulnerable. But concealing your migraines makes it difficult to miss work if you have a medical appointment. If you feel you should discuss your migraines in your workplace, it's best to have a clear-cut plan of action. With the right approach, you can guide your employer to understand what it is to deal with migraines. And that migraines, though at times truly disruptive, can be dealt with more effectively if your employer is on board with what you're doing about them
In the end, it's a call that only you can make. A good guide might be to look at how other co-workers with health issues are treated. Remember, if you're taking TOPAMAX, your migraines may be less frequent, so they should be more manageable. This should also make them easier to discuss. Also, don't forget that very few people's lives are not touched by some form of illness. Co-workers and supervisors may be more understanding than you'd expect. Remember, you are not alone.
If you do decide to discuss your migraines, it's important that you explain that you have a medical condition. You might want to share some useful resource links that explain migraines from a professional's view. Above all, emphasize that you and your healthcare professional are managing your migraines.
Dealing with co-workers
Always be straightforward. Don't talk too much about how you feel. If you can work, always do your job well because people will remember it on the days when you cannot work. If you feel too sick, consider going home.
Little things can make all the difference
Now that you've tackled the difficult discussion, be sure to consider the following:
- Ask co-workers to go easy on the perfume and cologne, since odors are often migraine triggers.
- Don't skip lunch because you have to work - if necessary, brown-bag it so you don't resort to a vending machine snack attack.
- Use an antiglare screen on your computer - bright lights also can be a migraine trigger.
- If your work area is too bright, ask if you can adjust the lighting or move to another area.
- Limit your caffeine intake.
Talking to family and friends
You're doing something about your migraines, and that's both courageous and wonderful. Now it's time to share with your family and friends about Migraines.
Migraines can be a family affair. Because they may not just affect you, but everyone in your life. You might think that speaking to the people you're closest to would be easy. And sometimes, it is. But the people who love you most don't usually know how to help. They are the ones who need to understand how you deal with migraines, and what you're doing now to help treat them more effectively.
Maybe you've got a notion of how you'd like to start. You'll find solid advice, and plenty of tips, in our Family and Friends Action Plan.
Talking to Your Kids about Migraines
The best way to handle migraines with your children is to talk about them. Ask questions about what they are thinking. Try to ease some of their concerns. Keep it simple. Let the child guide the discussion. Children of different ages, and even different children of the same age, will have their own set of questions and concerns.
Your Family and Friends Action Plan
An important part of migraine management is keeping your commitments even when you don't feel well. That's why it's a good strategy to get in the habit of keeping an Action Plan that you can print out and post on a bulletin board or put on your refrigerator for everyone to see. Not only will it keep the family organized, it will help you minimize stress, which can be a migraine trigger.
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