share your migraine plan
Help them understand so they can provide support
Your life is full of responsibilities and people who count on you. But not everyone in your life understands how debilitating a migraine can be or what they can do to help. Use these tips to help you get the help you need.
Prepare your children for your next migraine
- Explain what a migraine is. Let them know that every once in a while you may not feel well and need quiet time
- Set up boundaries for headache times. Ask them to keep noise levels down and play in designated areas of the house
- Try to keep things as routine as possible. Don’t forget the special parts of their day, like hugs, goodnight kisses, or reminding them “I love you”
Prepare your family and friends for what they can do when you have a migraine
- Help them understand that a migraine temporarily stops you from functioning normally
- Remind them to keep the noise level down as much as possible
- Ask them to watch the kids: keep them occupied, fed, and quiet
- Encourage them to help with errands, small chores, and things that require immediate action or decision
- Ask them to act as a go-between, answer the phone, take messages, and inform friends, family, and your employer that you are having a migraine
Help your employer and coworkers understand
- Explain the facts. Let them know that you suffer from migraines and assure them they won’t affect your productivity
- Tell them that you treat your migraine headaches with medication prescribed by your doctor
- Be proactive. When you need time off or an extended deadline, speak up
- Tell coworkers that it takes a great deal of pain for you to leave work. Explain that you prefer to stay and will only go home as a last resort
- Make it clear that you don’t expect special treatment, that you treat your migraine headache with medication provided by your doctor, and you will always complete your assignments on time. When you feel stronger, volunteer for extra assignments
Print tips for managing your migraines 
(PDF — 591KB) to help prepare family, friends, and coworkers for your next migraine headache.