Ever since I can remember, I have suffered from strong headaches every few weeks. At times, these headaches have lasted up to three days. I did not think much about it most of the time. My mother would tell me to drink enough water and, if the migraine was too strong, to take an Ibuprofen mixed in a yoghurt for me.
If you have ADHD and have experienced a headache, you can probably relate to the feeling of your head hurting while your thoughts continue to race.
Approximately one year ago, I was diagnosed with chronic migraines. Prior to that, I had been struggling with migraines for years. At one point, the pain was so unbearable that I resorted to taking my mother’s migraine medication in order to find relief.
Receiving a diagnosis has certainly provided me with a sense of understanding and relief. Knowing that my symptoms are not caused by a tumor or any other serious condition has eased some of my anxiety. However, despite taking medication, I still struggle with the persistent racing thoughts that often accompany my ADHD, while having migraines.
When I get hit with a migraine, it can be a real struggle to take care of myself. Turning off the lights, drinking water, and laying in bed sounds simple enough, but when my ADHD is in full swing, it’s hard to focus on anything, let alone getting much-needed rest. My racing thoughts make it difficult to just lie there and do nothing, so I often find myself trying to complete unfinished tasks or focus on something else entirely.
Even when I do finally make it to bed, I usually forget to get water or take medicine. It’s like my brain is working against me, and I have to fight against it to take care of myself. This struggle is real, and it can be exhausting.
But I know that taking care of myself is important, especially during a migraine attack. That’s why I try to stay mindful of my self-care routine, even when it’s hard. Sometimes I listen to a meditation app with rain sounds to help me relax, or I’ll watch a YouTube video to distract myself from the pain. Getting my brain to slow down and focus on something else is key to managing my migraines.
Living with chronic migraines is a difficult experience, especially when combined with ADHD. However, finding ways to manage symptoms and prioritize self-care can make a significant difference in overall quality of life. It’s important to seek medical attention and support, and to find coping mechanisms that work for you.