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When Stephanie Weaver plans to take vacations, the first thing that comes to mind is, “what will happen if I have an episode of migraines?” That possibility causes so much anguish to review a strategic plan with your therapist in case it happens. Paste several medications, a hat to prevent your eyes from being exposed to bright lights and plastic bags with airtight closure to prepare an emergency ice pack. “I know I will have to deal with what may happen,” he said.
Weaver, who is a little over 60 years old and lives in southern California, has had to deal with episodes of unpredictable migraines most of his life and this situation has affected his mental health. “I can’t trust that my body normally performs and anxiety that accompanies those feelings never disappears,” he said.
The connection between migraines and mental health disorders
According to a survey of the connection between migraines and 2022 mental health made by the American Migraine Association, migraine disorder and mental health are significantly interconnected. While migraine and mental health disorder are different diseases, they have an important correlation. They are links that are not completely understood, but their relationship is probably the result of several factors. This may include abnormal brain structures, genetics, sex hormones and stress.
Up to half of people who have chronic migraine disorders have an anxiety disorder, compared to 19% of the US general population and 25% of people with chronic migraine disorders have post -traumatic stress disorders (PTSP), which is thought to affect 5% of the general population in the US possibilities of having a bipolarity disorder and a greater tendency to suicidal ideation (suicide thoughts).
Children’s trauma also plays an important role. People who have experienced traumas in the early stages of their lives have 48% more likely to have a headacon disorder. The more traumatic the events that a person experiences in his childhood, there are more chances of having a migraine disorder.
This leads to a vicious circle in which mental health problems can cause episodes of migraines and migraine episodes can cause mental health problems. “When someone dealt with a spectacle or chronic headache, it can easily understand the reason why mental health problems could also experience,” said Rashmi Halker Singh, MD, FAHS, FAAN, a neurologist who specializes in migraines in May Clinic and a member of the Healthywwomen Women’s Health Advice Council.
Migraine disorder affects women more than men
A study by the National Medicine Library says that more than double women (43%) suffer from migraine episodes compared to men (18%). This is partially due to estrogen fluctuation in women’s bodies. “Approximately one third of women who have migraines begin to have them during puberty. Menstruation and perimenopause are times when migraines can be a serious problem,” said Halker Singh.
Racial discrimination plays an important role
Color people are less likely to receive treatment for migraine episodes and for mental health disorders than white people. Many bipoc people (black, indigenous and people of color) They do not receive adequate treatments due to their distrust in the health system and the racial and socioeconomic discrimination of medical care.
And they are also less likely to be diagnosed migrañas. In fact, the American Migraine Foundation identified that only 47% of black people and 50% of Latin people have the possibility of receiving migraine diagnoses compared to 70% of white people.
In turn, if patients do not have a diagnosis, they are less likely to receive the treatment they need. And this means that they are less likely to feel good mentally and physically.
Two invisible disorders
People with mental health disorders and migraines frequently have difficulty obtaining the support they deserve. This is due, in part, for mental health and migraine disorders are invisible diseases, which makes others difficult to understand what they experience. Unlike other disorders that can be seen, people cannot always see external signs of mental health disorders and migraines.
It is important to remember that migraine disorder is not something you can control. Halker Singh said that his patients frequently care about how their episodes of migraines will affect other parts of their lives, including their relationships with their loved ones.
Get the correct treatment
Fortunately, there are many treatments available for mental and migraine health disorders. And some of the treatments for each condition are the same, including medications with similar effects such as ISRS and IRSNA (two types of antidepressants), cognitive behavior therapies, other forms of psychotherapy and relaxation techniques.
Halker Singh helps his patients identify a comprehensive therapeutic plan, including finding adequate medication. “We have many wonderful options,” he said. It also ensures talking about methods to prevent episodes. And if a patient has difficulties with his mental health, he refers to a mental health specialist.
Weaver also adopts a method that considers the body in an integral way. “Finding a therapist who works with people with chronic diseases, taking a class to know how to use medications and learn about the specific triggers of my episodes, everything has been useful to control my anxiety,” he said.
Awareness for better attention
In the connection survey between migraines and mental health, 87% of people who experienced migraines and 94% of medical care providers (HCP) feel that mental health would improve with greater control of migraines. For this reason it is important to have a sincere conversation about your mental and physical health with your medical provider.
Halker Singh said it could even be convenient to obtain a second opinion. ‘Ask another medical care provider to review your diagnosis and treatment plan, especially if you feel that it doesn’t work well, it could make a difference. Finding a medical care provider to listen to your concerns and that works with you to identify a treatment that is suitable for you is key for you to feel better.
This educational resource was prepared with the support of Pfizer.
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