By Robert (Guest Writer) - Dear Dr ______, I owe you a short note. I’m about to call a spade, a spade. I’ve been left in an anxiety dither for these months since I saw you in October. That’s why I haven’t followed up with anything. I was VA-stunned by deja vu when you asked … Continue reading A Veteran’s Story of PTSD & Headache
By Jeannette - Within the chronic illness community we speak a lot about the importance of visibility. We discuss the need to self-advocate, to have our rights heard, and the importance of speaking out against stigma, especially when you have an illness that has debilitating symptoms that impact our interactions with the world, but aren’t always … Continue reading The Vulnerability of Visibility
By Jeannette & Jorie - Every year in February, advocates for migraine and headache disease come together in Washington, DC for an event known as Headache on the Hill. HOH is organized by The Alliance for Headache Disorders Advocacy (AHDA), and has been running now for 12 years. During HOH, advocates of all kinds -- … Continue reading Voices from the Hill
By The Migraine Mantras Team - Rare Disease Day, recognized annually on February 28th, brings awareness to various medical conditions that fall under the category of 200,000 patients or fewer in the US, and 2,000 patients or fewer in the EU. An alarming 1 in 20 people will live with a rare disease in their … Continue reading Showing Our Stripes for Rare Disease Day
By Jeannette - On social media I often see fellow patients with chronic pain and illness, questioned and put in the position where they have to explain how they can have a bit of beauty, joy, smiles, and soul shine, while they are sick and in daily pain. Apparently, a smile must negate pain. I … Continue reading You Are Allowed To Live With Pain & Still Shine
By Jorie - As we exit 2018 and enter 2019, there’s a topic I want to touch on that I think is important for all of us to remember and practice. Scrolling through my social media feeds these last few days has left me feeling both inspired and defeated. Inspired because I’m so happy to … Continue reading Looking Back with Authenticity
By Winslow - Most of us who struggle with migraines or other health conditions are forced to spend most of our money on medications, doctor visits and treatments and are not always able to work. This can cause a financial strain, especially around the holiday season. But take heart, below is a list of inexpensive … Continue reading Gift Ideas When Money is Tight
By Jeannette - In light of the opioid overdose epidemic, there has been much discussion lately about “pain acceptance.” There have been cries from doctors for patients with chronic pain to “accept” their pain. However, are the talking points truly referencing acceptance, particularly active acceptance, or is what they are calling for really resignation by … Continue reading Chronic Pain Acceptance vs. Resignation
By Wanda - Many people struggle during the holiday season. It’s a well known fact special days bring out both the best and worst in humans. (Please note: dogs are pretty much always happy and cats just don’t care.) We are reminded of those who passed away, those we’ve chosen to remove from our “friend … Continue reading Thriving Through Thanksgiving
By Kirstie - It’s just what it sounds like, the little quirks you hear whispered about you or someone else just because you’re a little bit different. These are the intrusive words that are told to disabled individuals and many others living with an invisible illness. The words that stick with and haunt some of us … Continue reading Pet Peeves of The Disabled Community
