Managing my migraine in the workplace

Louise O’Sullivan

Migraine Patient, Co. Cork

Most people see migraine as a headache which will go away once you take some painkillers. Unfortunately, that couldn’t be further from the truth. Migraine is a neurological condition.

Managing a condition like migraine that has multiple symptoms which can last days at a time while working can be difficult. The workplace can be a stressful environment which migraineurs really have to mind themselves in. I have been very lucky that my employer has always been supportive and understanding of just how unpredictable a condition like migraine can be. Unfortunately, that is not always the case for migraine sufferers.

More than just a headache 

For me, I have to go to the bathroom immediately, take my medication and wait for the aura to pass. I have often had to get acolleague to come down to the bathroom just to bring me some water or if I have been gone a while to check on me. I have good friends at work who are aware of my migraine and can often spot when I might be having one if I disappear suddenly. That support is imperative to managing migraine at work. 

Migraineurs will often try to hide the condition out of fear that employers will lack understanding or worse.

The stress of migraine 

Migraineurs will often try to hide the condition out of fear that employers will lack understanding or worse, out of fear that they may lose their job if their absence becomes too frequent. That brings about so much stress because it branches out to worry about financial obligations. 

The Migraine Association of Ireland has always been a great source of support for me. They provide resources and guidance in all aspects of managing the condition.

Men and migraine: painkillers are not the solution

Hazel Breen

Communications and Information Officer, Migraine Association of Ireland

Sadly, the ‘Hollywood’ version of men today as strong, silent warriors who sneer at death and laugh at pain, has veered men away from seeking medical help when needed.

This issue is not limited to Irish men but is an issue worldwide. Surely fighting your own demons and battles is one of the bravest things you can do?

The misconception that migraine is a female only condition can cause men to avoid seeking medical support.

Migraine misconceptions 

The misconception that migraine is a female only condition can cause men to avoid seeking medical support. Many dismiss this debilitating and complex neurological condition as just a headache. This often leads to men self-medicating with over-the-counter medications. In turn, this can lead to developing medication overuse headache, which is a huge problem among Irish men today.

“Men are just as concerned and interested in their health as women are. However, the statistics do not give that impression” says Hazel Breen, Communications and Information Officer, MAI.

An Irish Health Survey published in 2019 states that when it comes to the range of visits to health professionals, females are more likely to visit than men. Of the females reported, 85% said that they visited a GP in the 12 months prior to the survey, compared to 68% of men. Moreover, 63% of females visited a dentist compared to 52% of men. Regarding general visits to GPs, older people report visiting more than younger people; 94% of 75 years and over, compared to 67% of those ages 15-24 years.