Odds are that someone you work with suffers from Migraines!
Allow me to elaborate:
My Journey with Migraines
I have suffered from chronic migraines since I was a teenager. It's been a journey of discovery alongside many medical professionals. There is no cure! We just have to learn how to manage this.
Typically, we do not seek assistance from those around us to fix the problem; rather, we seek understanding.
Migraines for me are often preceded by an aura- this is what it looks like:
For a period of 20-30 minutes my vision is blurred by an aura similar to this one. It grows from a small circle in the center to my peripheral vision and then it's gone. This is typically when the pain kicks in.
Understanding Migraines: A Workplace Perspective
Migraines are often seen as just severe headaches, but they are much more than that. They are a neurological condition that can cause intense pain, nausea, sensitivity to light and sound, and other debilitating symptoms.
For many, migraines are a chronic issue that significantly impacts daily life, including work performance. A migraine isn’t only the 4-72 hours of the actual attack. It begins with the prodrome and finishes with the postdrome.
The Prevalence of Migraines
Over 1 billion people worldwide suffer from migraines, making it the third most prevalent illness in the world.
12% of the U.S. population experiences migraines, with higher prevalence in women (18%) compared to men (6%).
Migraines are most common between the ages of 18 and 44, which encompasses a large portion of the working population.
90% of migraine sufferers are unable to work or function normally during an attack, and 1 in 5 report they have missed work due to migraines.
Migraine is the 6th most disabling illness globally, according to the World Health Organization.
Considering these statistics, it is highly likely that we work alongside someone who is quietly suffering from migraines.
Understanding and supporting colleagues who suffer from this condition can create a more inclusive and productive work environment.
How to Be Mindful and Supportive of Colleagues with Migraines
Educate Yourself and Your Team: Learn about migraines, their triggers, and their symptoms. Awareness is the first step toward empathy and support.
Encourage a Flexible Work Environment: Allow flexibility in work hours or the option to work from home. This can help colleagues manage their condition more effectively.
Create a Comfortable Work Environment: Ensure that the office is well-lit but not overly bright and consider noise levels. Providing quiet spaces can help those with migraines.
Promote Regular Breaks: Encourage regular breaks throughout the day to reduce stress and screen time, which can be triggers for migraines.
Offer Supportive Tools: Provide access to ergonomic workstations, anti-glare screens, and noise-canceling headphones to help reduce potential triggers.
Be Understanding About Time Off: Recognize that migraines can be unpredictable and severe. Be supportive when a colleague needs to take time off or leave work suddenly.
Communicate Openly: Foster an environment where employees feel comfortable discussing their health needs without fear of stigma or reprisal.
Provide Health Resources: Ensure that employees have access to healthcare resources, including information on managing migraines and access to appropriate medical care.
Implement Stress-Reduction Programs: Offer programs such as mindfulness training, yoga, or counseling services to help employees manage stress, a common migraine trigger.
Lead by Example: As a manager or leader, demonstrate understanding and support for employees with health conditions. Your actions set the tone for the entire team.
Things Not to Say to Someone Suffering from Migraines
This one is my favorite: "Have you tried drinking more water?": While staying hydrated is important, suggesting this oversimplifies the condition and can be frustrating for sufferers.
"It's just a headache, right?": Migraines are much more than headaches; they are a complex neurological condition with a range of debilitating symptoms.
"You don't look sick.": Many people with migraines can appear perfectly fine outwardly, but this doesn't reflect the intense internal struggle they are experiencing.
"Have you taken a painkiller?": Migraine management often involves a lot more than just taking a simple painkiller. This suggestion can come across as dismissive.
"You should just push through it.": Migraines can be extremely debilitating, making it impossible to function normally. Encouraging someone to push through minimizes their experience.
"It can't be that bad.": This invalidates the person's pain and experience, which can be isolating and hurtful.
Many continue to persevere through the workday, frequently relying on medication to alleviate pain or manage nausea. The brain fog is real. We only ask for some grace when we struggle to articulate our thoughts or are sensitive to lights or sounds.
By implementing these practices and avoiding insensitive remarks, we can create a workplace that not only acknowledges the challenges faced by those with migraines but actively supports their well-being. This approach not only fosters a more compassionate work environment but can also enhance overall productivity and morale.
