Tuesday, May 29, 2012

Chronic Migraine and Suicide Awareness Day

Today is Chronic Migraine and Suicide Awareness Day.

People with Migraine Disease (especially those that have Migraine with aura) have been shown to have an increased risk of suicide. Dr. Naomi Breslau published the results of a study that examined the risk of suicide attempts and suicidal ideation in four groups:  1) people with Migraine with aura alone, 2) people with Migraine with aura and major depressive disorder, 3) people with Migraine without aura alone, and 4) people with Migraine without aura and major depressive disorder. More about this study and the findings of the study can be found in this article, Migraine and Suicide: Introduction.

Last year, a dear friend of mine wrote a series for National Suicide Awareness Week and Pain Awareness Month that she started with a post titled, Migraine and Suicide. The topics include:  how to cope when you are close to the end of your rope, personal stories from those who have been there (Greater AppreciationWhen Living Seems Too Hard, and I Want to Live! But I Don't Feel Like I Am!), preventionon suicide and faith (and a personal experience, Perspective Determines the View), a post especially for loved ones (family, friends, caregivers), and links to other blogs/articles on Migraine and suicide. She does a wonderful job discussing such a difficult subject, and it's definitely worth the read.

Living life day-in and day-out with Chronic Migraine is difficult. Feelings of loneliness and hopelessness often creep in. Living life in so much pain makes you wonder how much living you're really doing. But... there is always HOPE!

I want to encourage you to reach out to someone - a friend, a therapist, a fellow sufferer, a hotline - if you're struggling with feelings of hopelessness, especially if you're contemplating taking your own life.

If you, or someone you know, is in suicidal crisis or emotional distress, please call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255).

Thursday, May 17, 2012

Quick Update: Sorry I've been Absent

I have to apologize for being absent for so long, but I'm afraid it's going to continue for a while (if the spirit moves me, though, I'll post again soon). Life has just been a whirlwind, and I feel overwhelmed! There are SOOO many things changing in the lives of those I love, and it all suddenly came crashing down... the most recent change I found out about must have been the "straw that broke the camel's back." These changes aren't all bad, but change of any type is stressful.

I've been struggling a lot with my migraines. I actually have one now (and I've taken my meds), so I don't know why I'm even on the computer to type this. I'm about to go lay down because the meds are kicking in and I'm feelin' it (oh, the joy of side effects!). Anyway, I just wanted to drop in and give a quick update. I hope to be back sooner than later... just can't do it right now.

In the meantime, I'm really trying to keep this in mind...


Tuesday, May 1, 2012

Recap HAWMC

I did it - 30 posts in 30 days!!! I had to double-up several times, but I did it!

I still have some blog posts in the series I started last week that are near 'publishing,' so hopefully I'll get those on the blog soon.

Thanks for sticking with me through this month's challenge. I had an extra-rough month, health-wise... so glad I was able to complete it. Now, back to lay down and nurse this out of control migraine today.


This post was written as part of the Health Activist Writer's Awareness Challenge (HAWMC).
Disclaimer: Nothing on this blog is intended as medical or legal advice.

What I write on this site is my own, and if it is someone else's, I take special care to attribute it to the original author. So, please don't use any of my material without proper attribution or permission. Thanks.