What I wish I knew earlier
Here is what I would tell my 17-year old self:
1. The migraine brain is sensitive and needs special care. There will be times when you won’t be able to push yourself as hard as others. You need to find a balance between work, play and rest.
2. Food is your best friend. And also your worst enemy. Be careful with alcohol and caffeine. And sugar. Especially sugar. Your brain can’t handle wild blood sugar fluctuations. Even be mindful of artificial sweeteners. Eat regularly, focusing on quality protein and vegetables. Avoid processed crap. Get to know and understand your food intolerances.
3. Anxiety is normal with migraine. Practice self-care and self-love. Be gentle with yourself. Ensure you are well nourished with zinc, magnesium and B vitamins.
4. People around you may not understand your migraine. It is up to you to ensure your environment is migraine friendly with lighting, seating, noise levels, odours. If your work has artificial or fluorescent lighting, feel free to take out the light bulb above your desk and replace it with a soft desk lamp. Take days off when you need them. Avoid toxic people and toxic environments. Do whatever you need to keep your environment low-trigger.
5. Understand your early warning signs for a migraine attack. Yawning. Change in mood. Cravings. Eye disturbances. Anxiety. Tinnitus. As soon as you notice the signs, stop and take care of yourself.
6. Build a team of health professionals around you. A good GP. A neurologist. Naturopath/nutritionist/herbalist (of course!). Physiotherapist. An understanding personal trainer or Pilates instructor. Chiropractor or osteopath. Counsellor. Not one single practitioner will have a cure or all the answers, but each will have something to offer which will help. Be responsible for your own health, but seek advice widely.
7. Keep hydrated, and your electrolytes (salt, magnesium, potassium especially) balanced with mineral salts. Always have electrolytes and ginger handy to stop an early attack. Drink extra water when you feel a migraine coming on.
8. Be careful with painkillers and medication. Too much or too often, and they can make migraine worse. Build a natural migraine first aid kit and keep it close.