Unable to work?

[Sticks95]

Are any of you unable to work or have had to go onto benefits due to your migraine disorder? I’m really scared for my future

[KatherineM_PBC]

Hi Sticks. I have read over your last few posts and you seem to have been suffering for some months. It seems that for many, migraine and depression go hand in hand - I have certainly felt that the longer the migraines persist I feel very low, I worry about how I will manage my family life and work. When you feel like this, it is a downward spiral, worry and depression, depression and worry. Perhaps you could speak to your Doctor and see if they can give you anti-depressants, once the mood has lifted it might help with the migraine. Are you married, do you have a supportive partner? I do know of others who have not been able to work through ill health, I too will take a step back from my busy business this year. 1 thing I would say is that with the long dark days, things do seem bleak and I feel weary, but hope that as Spring approaches we will all get a lift from this depressing weather!

I hope you feel better soon xx

[Sticks95 in reply to KatherineM_PBC]

Hi Katherine, Thank you for your message it’s very kind. Ive been on antidepressants for years as it runs very heavily in my family and this time of year definitely doesn’t help! My partner and i have been together for just over 8 years and he is very supportive but I’m not always a joy to be around haha. It’s hard to know what to do, because my migraines cause extreme weakness in the left side of my body I am unable to even do the most simple things. I worry about my work life everyday but there is nothing i can do when i get an attack. Hope your health improves too xx

[Cally01 in reply to Sticks95]

Hi sticks , yeah I've had to give up work, my migraines have been daily for 4yrs now. It's very difficult to get benefits because it's an illness you can't see.

For me pain, dizziness and cognitive ability are effected.

Rejected for benefits.

I think it's hard enough trying to survive 24hrs at a time without people who have never experienced migraine making decisions on your life. I think this is a recipe for anxiety and depression.

Take care, just one day at a time x

[Cat00]

Hello, I've never been able to work, not formally anyway. But I do have other pain disorders as well as chronic migraine. They took away my disabilty benefits 6 months ago ive been on them for over 10 years. The recession has screwed some many of us over!

[Frodo]

I've had to cut back and cut back, not just work, but seeing friends and family, travelling any distance is very challenging, social life a problem etc.

I think it's important to try and reach a state of acceptance and look for anything positive in the situation, while trying to plan ahead calmly. Easier said than done especially when money/lost income is involved.

The stress and anxiety of having the awful condition in the first place, and then dealing with the implications on top, is immense. And can make things worse in itself, so being aware of this and trying to get help and support would be the first step.

[Relief_seeker2]

I decided to go on Disability in Oct. 2013 & I'm now on Medicare SSDI. I have no idea how long it's going to last. I have a 3 year review this year sometime, just waiting for the notification. I just know that I am not in control of anything anymore & I don't think I ever will be again. But, maybe I never was...I am a Christian & the Bible says that God is in control of all things so I'm just trying to leave it up to Him. I know I'm barely able to make it through a single day without going nuts. My memory is getting worse, my Migraines have steadily gotten worse & worse. I have pretty much lost hope for anything good happening anymore. I can't drive. I can't tolerate light. I can't tolerate very much movement. I can't watch things that spin or move quickly. I have other illnesses in addition to the Migraines so no matter what I do, I lose. I used to be worried about my future but not anymore. I almost don't care anymore. I'm sorry I sound so negative, that's just where I'm at.

[KatherineM_PBC in reply to Relief_seeker2]

Poor you , on top of the headaches and other illness you sound very depressed, but this is not uncommon, I often have such low moments I don't want to be me any more and have no enthusiasm for the future. But then something will lift and I feel quite normal for a while so I know there is light at the end of the tunnel, although I may have even written on this forum before that I couldn't see a way forward!

I don't want to offend by knocking religion, but where I also once heard the comment "God only gives you what you can handle", I would imagine there aren't many of us who believe that! You must not give up, carry on fighting, go back to your Doctor and insist on more help. I hope you have a sensitive family who are showing you love and support - you can certainly get that here too xx