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Meet Clara and Randy, a dynamic couple who finds resilience through their struggles with migraines. With Clara in the reinsurance industry and Randy, a data centre engineer, they both face unique challenges in navigating their demanding careers while managing their migraines.

"Coffee, stress, and alcohol—any one of these things can trigger my migraines,” Clara shares, "and the pain is just…it's everywhere. Unlike a typical headache, I feel that migraines are hard to diagnose, even for doctors, as scans usually don't reveal much."

Everyday over-the-counter pills are ineffective, so she leans heavily on the flexibility and understanding of her colleagues. "Migraines aren't just a headache. If you're experiencing symptoms, don't brush it off. Get checked," she advises.

For Randy, his migraine attacks are largely unpredictable. They often strike at night, starting with neck pain and eventually encompassing his whole head. "I’ve tried various medications, but the pain usually subsides only after three to four hours," he reveals. He’s had to make significant lifestyle changes, as neither CT scans nor MRIs have been able to shed light on his condition.

Travelling also poses a challenge for both. Randy’s sensitivity to sudden temperature changes led to an incident in Japan where the drastic change from cold weather outside to a warm environment inside triggered a migraine. This and other experiences have taught them the importance of preparedness, especially during holidays abroad.

"Being married to someone who totally understands the pains of migraine can be an advantage,” says Clara. “Because we know each other’s triggers, we are always well-prepared and will research English-speaking clinics before our trips—and we never travel without insurance.”

Their advice to others living with migraines? “Know your triggers, manage your lifestyle and always be prepared!”

Social worker Nicole knows all too well about the challenges of living with migraines. "Painkillers no longer work for me. I was taking up to two boxes a day with no relief," she shares, reflecting years of navigating an unpredictable and often misunderstood condition.

Nicole's pain varies, ranging from a headache in the middle of her head to a tension headache. The patterns are inconsistent, sometimes pointing to tension, dehydration, or cluster headaches that were often exacerbated by her stressful lifestyle.

Despite it all, Nicole has developed a keen awareness of her symptoms and triggers. She's made a habit of ‘pain journaling’, noting the frequency and intensity of her attacks. "Being acutely aware helps me prepare and manage my migraines more effectively," she explains. Empathy from her colleagues also provides crucial support, respecting her need for solitude during an attack.

Nicole paints a stark picture when asked about her migraine attacks. "I would curl up in a chair, unable to move for over 4 hours. I became non-functional, spending the entire day in bed. Sitting up was painful, and lying down made sleep impossible. It has severely affected my quality of life."

But Nicole doesn't allow her condition to dictate her life. She has learned to adapt and find ways to continue her important work as a social worker, even with the unpredictable nature of her migraines. Even with this challenging condition, she continues to thrive, using her experiences to dispel common misconceptions about migraines. "People often compare it to their own headaches because that's their only point of reference. But migraines are not just a headache," she asserts.

Her advice to fellow migraine sufferers? "Managing pain is trial and error. It's essential not to gaslight yourself by suffering in silence,” says Nicole. “For us sufferers, it is important that we don’t allow migraines to define who we are. We can choose to see migraines as something we can push through and emerge stronger than ever.” 

Raynold started experiencing migraine symptoms when he was just ten years old. "Against my better judgement, I would usually ignore it and pass it off as a minor headache," says the young actor and content creator. However, by the time he was 19, his worst nightmare came true: the pain had peaked, often lasting for as long as two days straight.

It’s a tumultuous experience that one does not forget. The sensation started from his neck and up to his head. Any attempts to sleep it off often proved futile due to the intense pain. "But I still have to sleep because of my filming schedule, even though it's really hard when you're in that much pain," he admits.

In Raynold’s experience, one of the key obstacles is the general lack of understanding about the severity of migraines. "When very few people understand how debilitating migraines can be, it's hard for them to comprehend what we go through. People often brush it off as a normal headache," he explains.

Despite the suffering, Raynold refuses to let his migraines deter him from his goals. "Everyone’s pain is different. Everyone deals with it differently. But that doesn’t mean we should let it hold us back."

His journey with migraines has made him an advocate for awareness and open communication about the condition. "There's nothing to be ashamed of. Everyone is dealing with something. When you're aware, you can articulate, and people will start to understand," he advises.

The actor further emphasises the importance of a personalised approach to managing symptoms. "I used to go online to research ways to cope. But everyone’s symptoms and remedies are different. Generic solutions like closing the blinds and reducing screen time don’t work for me,” he says. “It’s a case-to-case basis. Trial and error with awareness and honesty are key."

Danielle, a dedicated professional at a non-profit organisation, has been in the thrall of migraine for over two decades. What started as a few attacks per week developed into a pervasive part of her life, an adversary that proved more stubborn and formidable than she could have imagined.

"Sun and light are triggers for me. Strong perfumes too," Danielle shares. Her diet also plays a crucial role, with chocolate and oily foods known to induce attacks. To cope with the persistent pain, Danielle experimented with various treatments, including acupuncture and lavender oil, both to no avail. The only relief she found came from pain patches.

She also encountered an unexpected obstacle: her medication. As the frequency of her migraines escalated, so did her reliance on medication. However, this solution soon morphed into a challenge of its own. "I became dependent on my painkillers. I had to wean off almost immediately because they became counter-productive."

Her struggle echoes recent reports highlighting how painkillers often fail to address the underlying causes of migraines. This has led to a cycle of reliance and counter-productivity that Danielle knows all too well.

Danielle isn’t the only one in her family grappling with migraines—her son suffers from attacks too. "Light is a trigger for him," she shares. In their household, meal times sometimes involve finding a 'dark' corner to accommodate her son's sensitivity to light.

Through the years, Danielle has realised the importance of finding the right doctor and the right treatment for her condition. "I had to go through many rounds before finding the right medication," she recalls. This journey towards a suitable treatment is a testament to her resilience and determination to regain control over her life.

Support from her loved ones has been crucial in her battle with migraines. Her husband steps in to help lighten her workload when the pain becomes too much, a simple yet meaningful gesture of loving empathy.

“It’s important to establish a strong support system. Understanding colleagues, friends and loved ones will undoubtedly make navigating the pains of migraines a much smoother journey.”

Meet Grace, an executive thriving in the demanding field of finance despite being at the receiving end of debilitating migraine episodes for the better part of the decade. Her secret? Understanding the triggers and being prepared for an attack.

For Grace, migraines often begin as a tingling sensation in her forehead. “Skipping breakfast can lead to gastric issues, which would often trigger my migraines,” she says. She also noticed the correlation between changes in weather, particularly hot and humid conditions, and the onset of migraines.

But she isn't just reactive to these signs—she's proactive. Grace takes morning walks to destress, immerses herself in films for relaxation, and ensures she starts her day with breakfast and coffee to stave off potential triggers.

Lights exacerbate Grace's migraines, a typical sensitivity for many sufferers. “I’ve discovered that taking medication early on could limit the length of the migraine attack to just a few hours.” Otherwise, her symptoms could escalate, potentially lasting for as long as two days. "It's all about catching the migraine at the right moment," she says.

In an effort to find relief, Grace used to attend weekly massage sessions, though they didn't provide the desired outcome. Acupuncture also proved ineffective for her. However, she found magnesium supplements to be helpful—after an arduous trial-and-error process to find relief. Keeping a gel pack on hand for quick relief is one of the many proactive steps Grace takes.

However, it's the social impact of migraines that sometimes makes Grace feel isolated. Once, she couldn't fly with her friends to Bangkok and had to rush to the doctor for migraine and vomiting prescriptions. Grace's journey with migraines in a demanding career like finance hasn't been easy. The latent assumption that her episodes might be mistaken for laziness gnaws at her. "No one knows that migraines can last for days," she says, expressing a common frustration amongst migraine sufferers.

“This is why I make sure that I’m always ready for an attack. Being well-equipped and prepared, is critical if you want to manage your pain effectively.” 

Living with migraines for nine years, Mei Fei's journey has been riddled with hidden battles and self-doubt. "The throbbing sensations were different from a typical headache. It was oddly only on one side, and the symptoms didn't respond to medication," she shares, recounting her first attack with a grimace. "Every time I moved, it became worse."

At just 21 years old then, Mei Fei faced an uncomfortable dilemma. "If I didn’t take my medication, the migraine would worsen. But the recommended prescription would cause weight gain," she remembers. “Being at this crossroad was especially tough, given that most of my peers and I, at that age, were mostly struggling with body image issues. In hindsight, it was an extremely lonely journey to navigate.”

Her experiences, however, were often brushed off by those around her, even by her partner at that time. The general dismissive stance towards her migraine amplified her feelings of isolation and doubt, often making her question the validity of her symptoms.

Despite the circumstances, Mei Fei gradually learned to identify her migraine triggers and symptoms, which included nausea, vomiting and sensitivity to sounds and lights. She diligently ensures that she maintains a consistent sleep schedule and timely consumption of painkillers when she feels a migraine attack looming nearby. "Recognising the warning signs and managing them before the pain peaks is crucial," she explains.

Her journey hasn't been without many other dark corners. "I’ve fainted from a bad migraine once. I’ve also experienced several panic attacks due to the compounding pain and stress,” she shares. “These moments have left a profound impact on my mental health as a whole. I would often question my ability to cope with school and social pressures—it’s an endless cycle of self-blame, frustration and helplessness," Mei Fei confesses.

Through it all, Mei Fei has learned that compassion and understanding are key when supporting those with migraines. "Don't assume we're faking it or that our pain threshold is low," she advises. Amidst the struggles, Mei Fei reminds us of the power of perseverance and self-awareness in managing this complex condition.

Working as a content creator, Vanessa has always had a knack for storytelling. However, sharing her own experience with aura migraines has been a challenging tale to tell. It started about five years ago – "it was triggered by stress," she explains, "and it affected my vision—an aura would appear before the actual headache."

Recognising these symptoms, Vanessa searched for ways to manage her pain quickly. "Each attack lasts for several hours, and I always take it slow the next day," she adds. “I would take over-the-counter headache medication at the first signs of an aura, and then try to sleep it off.”

Vanessa's journey with migraines hasn't always been understood by others, and as a result, it led to moments of alienation and frustration. While she was on the way to a photoshoot once, an attack forced her to reschedule. "Nobody understood the severity of what I was going through. They kept pressing me to show up for the shoot once my headache was over as they thought that I would be okay after a while," she recalls.

Socially, migraines have also forced her to postpone many gatherings. But it was during her internship that she felt the greatest sense of isolation. "I was insecure and afraid that my colleagues would think I was lazy and just trying to come up with an excuse to skip work. It was difficult because people often misunderstand migraines and their impact," she says.

Seeking for answers and comfort online have proven to be helpful. After googling her symptoms, she discovered she had signs of migraine. She found solidarity in responses and advice from the community by posting her experience on Instagram stories. "I felt relieved to know I was not alone," she says. “I’m grateful to have found a community where people actually understand what I’m going through as a migraine sufferer.”

Vanessa's experience underscores the need for greater understanding and compassion when dealing with migraines. "You might meet people who may not understand what you’re going through and that may make you feel lonely at times,” she shares. “But, trust me, you’re not alone! Find your support system and reach out to available resources such as doctors for advice.”  

One tip she’d like to share with those battling with migraines? To identify their trigger. “I recorded every single one of my episodes and found one common trigger – stress. Once your trigger is identified, you’ll be able to better understand how to take care of yourself and minimise a migraine from happening.”

Battling a chronic condition is never easy, especially when it happens to be a condition that is often misunderstood by many. James’ journey with migraines provides a unique perspective on how simple lifestyle adjustments can have profound effects on managing the condition.

James’ journey with migraines began when he was only 13 years old. The crippling pain seemed like an adversary that appeared out of nowhere, transforming his life into a battleground of uncertainty. "I was too young to understand what was happening to me," James admits. "All I knew was that the pain was unbearable."

As he navigated through his teen years and then adulthood, James found his lifestyle choices significantly affecting his condition. His sleep schedule, or the lack thereof, became a primary culprit. "I was only getting around 3 to 4 hours of sleep every night. It was definitely not the best decision I made," he shares. His hectic work schedule exacerbated the situation that eventually resulted in weekly migraines.

This stark correlation between the lack of sleep and his migraine episodes gave James a harsh yet crucial insight. To cope, James discovered some strategies that worked for him. "As soon as I sense a migraine coming on, I quickly drink up to two cups of water immediately," he shares. Regular exercise also became part of his routine, providing a therapeutic outlet that helped alleviate his migraines. "Exercise makes a significant difference," James quips. "It's also an effective stress reliever."

James also found relief in alternative treatments. He experimented with soothing music, traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) and deep tissue massages, all providing varying degrees of relief. "It's about finding what works for you. There's no one-size-fits-all solution."

Despite the pain, James acknowledges that migraines are generally a common condition, although frequently underestimated. "It's not uncommon to hear that people have migraines," he says. “As individual experiences are often different, I often wonder if their migraines have affected them as intensely as it has affected me.”

His advice for fellow sufferers? "You need to hydrate well and often, sleep well and always figure out new things that work for you,” he says. “This sounds basic, but it’s really the little habits here and there that can compound and make a real difference.”  

Nelson first started experiencing migraines in Junior College, initially misdiagnosed as a sinus issue. "It was weird because the pain started moving from the right side of my head to the left side,” he recalls.

Like most of us, Nelson works extensively in front of computer screens and hypothesised that his sensitivity to the brightness of screens could be a potential trigger. Identifying the triggers is often a challenge, but for Nelson, it seems to come down to three major factors: "I'd say light sensitivity, stress and exposure to overpowering scents seem to trigger my migraines the most," Nelson shares.

Finding relief comes in many forms for Nelson. "I sometimes drink coffee to alleviate the pain," he says. "I've also tried a wide range of other methods including painkillers and even nasal sprays with steroids." Nelson also relies on the doctor's prescriptions when the migraines are particularly severe.

In his quest to find solutions of any kind, big or small, Nelson discovered a surprising mild relief method. "I found that shampoo with menthol really cools my head down," he shares with a laugh.

Despite the pain and inconvenience, Nelson has seen a silver lining in the way his family, particularly his mother-in-law, have rallied around him. "She tries to help by adjusting my diet." Despite the support from his community, he's also wary of the potential abuse of migraines as a reason to run away from responsibilities. "On one hand, migraines are debilitating, but they can also be used as an excuse to skip work and other obligations."

Nelson’s biggest piece of advice? "Feel free to explore different methods of pain relief, but never lose sight of proper migraine management recommended by professionals,” he shares. “Combining all these methods, even if some seem unconventional, can make a world of difference in managing daily pain."

When PJ received his migraine diagnosis during his university days at just 22 years old, he didn't let it slow him down. Instead, he started running. As a professional in the MedTech industry juggling shift work, PJ suspected that the irregular hours might have contributed to his migraines.

"I wasn't really taking care of myself," he admits, "Working random hours day after day didn't exactly help my case."

With time and a shift towards a more stable working schedule, PJ began to find coping mechanisms that helped manage his migraines. Strangely enough, one of them involved strapping on a pair of running shoes. "I took up running, and next thing I knew, I was running four full marathons a year," he says.

Pinpointing the triggers of his migraines has been a bit of a mystery for PJ. "It could be anything from fatigue to something as trivial as LED lights," he shares. It's not science, but he's found his own ways to alleviate the pain. "I rely on keeping active, enjoying concentrated caffeine and even getting monthly jabs," he says. “What surprised me the most was when I found effective relief from alternative sources like magnesium oil.”

Despite his efforts to manage his condition, PJ has faced the challenge of being misunderstood in the workplace. "I had a boss in my previous workplace who wasn't understanding at all, even though I had a doctor's memo and was vomiting through the night shifts," he recalls.

PJ's final word of advice? "Exercise, exercise and exercise," he says, almost as a mantra. Even though the pain doesn't completely vanish, PJ keeps on running, ever forward, one step at a time. 

At 35, Zee is constantly aiming to strike a healthy balance between her fast-paced marketing career and her personal journey of wellness. This is no different when it comes to managing her chronic migraine episodes. "Balance is a key component," Zee points out. “Whether it's my weekend yoga stretches or Pilates sessions, they're not just one-off workouts, they are all a part of my migraine management routine."  
Although she can't pinpoint when and how exactly the first wave of migraine occurred, she can vividly recall when the pain was a reality that was increasingly becoming harder and harder to ignore.

Identifying the type of headache is step one in Zee’s battle plan. "If it's clawing at my forehead, it's a tension headache," she explains. "If it's a pulsing pain on the sides of my head, I’d brace myself for a full-blown migraine." Regardless of the type of pain, she is not taking her symptoms sitting down. Zee adopts a proactive approach to her medication, lifestyle habits and tracking her condition. "It's about knowing your body," she says, "and recognising its signals."

Monthly occurrences of 3-4 attacks prompt her to keep a detailed migraine diary. "More than just notes, it's a tool that empowers me," she asserts. "I track patterns, triggers and pain levels—it's like being a detective of my own well-being and it helps me know what I should avoid in the future to decrease the likelihood of an occurrence."

Her toolkit is diverse: fever cooling patches, cold showers and even music as “it puts me in a calmer state and can sometimes even take my mind away from the discomfort and pain,” she says. A chiropractor's expertise also helps realign her posture—a preventive measure to mitigate tension build-ups. The world outside ‘her pain bubble’ often misunderstands the gravity of her experiences. "People tend to downplay what they haven't endured," Zee muses. "But that's okay. It's not about blame—it's about building bridges of understanding."

Zee's journey with migraines is singular, but she believes in the collective strength of shared stories. "Migraines can be a lonely road," she confides. "But you can always find ways to embrace the journey with the like-minded, and surround yourself with support and solutions that work for you. After all, when you're playing the long game with migraines, every piece of the puzzle counts."

It began in her teens, a time when life should be all about exploration and excitement. For Luna, however, it was often about managing pain that “felt like a relentless stomping in the centre of my forehead," she says.

“Imagine a blur taking over your vision, or a nausea so strong you can't stand. Or a day so bright it hurts just looking out the window," she describes the onset of her migraines. “On days like these, I often found myself seeking refuge in dark, quiet rooms alone.”

At 28 now, this advertising account manager and a longboard enthusiast suspects her lifestyle during her teenage years to be the main culprit for her condition. "It was a concoction of irregular meals, sleepless nights, and just about every unhealthy habit you can imagine."

The turning point, she believes, came with maturity and a gradual overhaul of her lifestyle. "I think my body was screaming for help, and I finally listened," she reflects on her shift to more sleep, hydration, and a balanced diet. Today, her headaches are just headaches, no longer the migraines that tethered her to a strict ritual of darkness and silence.

Luna’s silence about her suffering wasn't a stoic decision, but it came from a belief that her battle would resonate with no one. "It's tough, you know. You're going through this storm, and yet, on the outside, you look just fine," she shares.

As for advice to those still navigating their migraine minefield, Luna offers a blend of hope and practical wisdom. "It's tempting to reach for a quick fix, but it's not always the answer. I was lucky that generic over-the-counter painkillers were my ally, but it's never a one-size-fits-all," she cautions.

Looking back, Luna sees her journey as a lesson in health and self-awareness. "Migraines are like those bad memories you learn from," she quips. "I've fought with them head-on, I've learned, and now, I'm leading a life where I call the shots—not my migraines.”

“And to anyone out there still suffering, know this: it's a chapter, not the whole story. There's more to it than that, we just have to find ways to keep charting ahead.” 

Jade has been familiar with the throbbing pain of migraines since her primary school days.

"They started like a storm on the horizon – distant but you know it’s slowly moving closer," she recalls of the early headaches that were escalated by lifestyle factors. “The throbbing pain became more frequent during periods of stress, exhaustion, and after indulging in oily foods.”

Now, with the wisdom of years and experience, Jade manages her condition by starting with better habits, specifically quality sleep. “I realised that skipping on precious shut-eye opened the door to very painful migraines,” she shares.

With improved sleeping routines, the once relentless migraines that held her captive for days have gradually retreated, allowing her to embrace life more fully. “I remember feeling stuck with my pain, and in my room, with no choice but to miss out on social gatherings,” she says. “Although self-awareness is important, I think it's always crucial to seek professional guidance as well because experts may have better insights from treating many other migraine cases.”

For Jade, the journey to recovery is ongoing, a path she treads with consistent habits and hope. "I've come to terms with my migraines. They’re like occasional notifications that remind me to prioritise my well-being more,” she reflects.

“My advice would be to tune into your body’s rhythms and routines. Sleep when it is time to sleep, exercise regularly, eat well and counterbalance the stresses of life with play and spending time with our precious ones. Remember, there is a world beyond the pain.”

At 27, Beatrice knows her way around the unpredictable whirlwind of managing migraines while steering her career in healthcare manpower management. "Working from home has definitely been a blessing,” she shares. “I don't have to worry about taking medical leave on bad days."

Beatrice's tryst with migraines began in her early twenties, a time when each throb of pain was instinctively dismissed as just another headache. "I had always thought that 'migraine' was just another word for a really bad headache," she confesses. "Over-the-counter headache medications eventually stopped working, and I ended up taking a lot of painkillers, probably too many."

As years went by, the intensity of her migraines mellowed. She credits this to improved sleep routines, iron supplements, and vitamins. “But when migraines do hit, they hit hard.”

"It's like my migraines are playing a cruel game of peek-a-boo," Beatrice says, recalling how a severe migraine once struck right before she started a new job. "There I was, ready for a fresh start, and suddenly, I'm locked in a battle with my own head."

"There's no real pattern to the attacks. I can sleep like a baby and still wake up to a migraine's drumbeat." Her symptoms were more predictable though: typically surfacing during the day, migraines often start off with tightness around her head, followed by tension on her neck and shoulders and a sudden loss of appetite. As the episode escalates, nausea will start to set in with persistent vomiting.

"Most treatments just dulled the pain temporarily," she shares. "And since the migraines aren't as frequent, I sometimes just try to ignore it." For Beatrice, home remedies like ginger tea, massages, and peppermint oil for nausea have become her go-to.

Beatrice offers a candid glimpse into the impact of migraines on mental health. "It's a lonely journey. People can offer a shoulder to lean on, but they can't take the pain away," she shares. So, what does Beatrice ask from those around her? "Give me space when I need it, forgive the sudden changes in plans—a little understanding goes a long way," she adds.

“And to fellow migraine sufferers out there, remember that we’re all dancing with the random rhythms of migraines together—the key is to find the right steps that work for you.”