Migraine And Suicide: Clearly It's Not Just A Headache
Last week I had the pleasure of writing an article for the great website Migraine Again about the risk of suicide when living with Migraine and depression. This is a subject matter that is not discussed openly and is shrouded behind the stigmas of both diseases. Let's be transparent about the very real risk of suicide as an outcome of untreated or under-treated Migraine and Chronic Migraine.
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| Image courtesy of Migraine Again |
On the two occasions when I attempted suicide, I remember feeling: everyone else would be better off without me in their life.
I was traumatized, exhausted and depressed from unrelenting emotional and physical pain. I just wanted it to end. Those were very difficult times and Migraine was a big part of them. The guilt tore at my conscience every minute of the day. It took a lot of counseling and being on an antidepressant to help get me back on track.
Few really understand the relationship between migraine and suicide. Clearly, it’s not just a bad headache that will pass by morning. Suicidal thoughts are often a product of Migraine attacks. We know that Migraine is comorbid (occurs with) anxiety, depression and bipolar disorder which can overload an already emotionally stressed individual with Migraine. It’s a Catch 22 of sorts.
While Suicide and Migraine are both quite prevalent, people with migraines are at much higher risk.
- Suicide is the 11th leading cause of death in the United States based on national statistics in 2007.
- Migraine is the 12th most disabling disorder in the United States and affects more than 37 million people.
- Americans who have Migraine with aura are three times more likely to attempt suicide compared to those with no Migraine, whether or not major depression is also present..
Suicide can seem like an only way out when one is experiencing constant debilitating pain with no successful treatment. It’s very common for those of us whose life consists of these daily Migraine attacks to feel like we’re at a loss. We feel beat up, chewed up and spit out by chronic migraines. Hopelessness often can creep into our daily thoughts.
Although we may have supporters, many do not. And since we suffer from an invisible illness – we look like healthy, normal people to everyone else – it makes dealing with it that much harder. We begin to feel transparent. Migraine to me is an unrecognizable burden that I carry, which makes the depression and anxiety ever more prevalent. Over the years I have found myself up at night in pain and in tears feeling like there is no way that I can go through another day like this. I feel tired. I feel worn out. I feel used up. It does become a challenge sometimes to push through those feelings, but it gets hard when I feel bombarded by every emotion a human being is capable of feeling. Having two very stigmatized diseases is a very hard and heavy burden to carry. Imagine what it feels like to live with so many misconceptions and falsities on a daily basis.
Migraine Stigma
- Migraineurs represent one of the most stigmatized groups in society.
- Seen as complainers, hypochondriacs, weaklings or lazy.
- Seen as having “just a headache”.
- Chronic sufferers experience worse stigma than episodic sufferers.
Andrews, Linda W. “Migraines and Depression: What’s the Link?” Yahoo! Health. Yahoo!, 24 Feb. 2012. Web. 28 May 2012.
Bonk, Nancy H. “Migraine and Stigma: High Impact – Migraine.” HealthCentral.com. Remedy Health Media, 23 May 2011. Web. 28 May 2012.
Martiello, Laura. “Stigma of Migraine Is Significant; Worse for Those with Chronic Migraine.” Stigma of Migraine Is Significant; Worse for Those with Chronic Migraine. EurekAlert!, 23 June 2010. Web. 28 May 2012.
“Migraine: Fighting the Stigma of Migraine.” Migraine Association of Ireland. Ed. Editorial Board. Migraine Association of Ireland. Web. 28 May 2012.
Staff, Mayo Clinic. “Mental Health: Overcoming the Stigma of Mental Illness.” Mayo Clinic. Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research, 26 May 2011. Web. 28 May 2012.
“Suicide Rate in Migraine Patients- Some Surprising Statistics | Migravent.” Migravent. Migravent, 20 Jan. 2012. Web. 28 May 2012.
Yoffee, Lynn, and Kevin Hwang, MD, MPH. “The Headache-Depression Connection.” EverydayHealth.com. Everyday Health, 4 Nov. 2011. Web. 28 May 2012.
American Association of Suicidology
| Almost Dying. Suicide is a very real possibility and more people should talk about it. Having those feelings are nothing to be ashamed about. It’s when you don’t speak about it that it becomes a very dangerous reality. I’m sure that there are many people out there who have attempted unsuccessfully but are ashamed to talk about it. Just know that you aren’t alone. Anyone with a chronic illness is susceptible to this. Know this…we see you and we understand you. Stay strong, fight and keep your eye on the light at the end of your tunnel, no matter how small it may be. To learn more about the comorbidity of Migraine, Major Depressive Disorder (MDD), and suicide, please read my blog post Stigma of Migraine and Suicide. The last thing that most people expect is that they will run out of reasons to live. But if you are experiencing suicidal thoughts, you need to know that you’re not alone. By some estimates, as many as one in six people will become seriously suicidal at some point in their lives. If you’re feeling suicidal, seek help as soon as possible by contacting a mental health professional or calling (8255) for a referral.References:Attributing article from +Migraine Again: http://migraineagain.com/migraine-and-suicide-clearly-its-not-just-a-headache/ INFO LOWONGAN KERJA TERBARU KLIK DISINI
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