My migraines began as head ache accompanied by aura, which regarded like flecks of sunshine had been floating round in entrance of my eyes. They received actually unhealthy throughout my junior 12 months of highschool; my head would damage so a lot after college. Over-the-counter ache meds didn’t assist. I’d want to simply take a nap and go away my homework for later. I went to a really aggressive highschool, and the migraines intensified throughout high-stress instances, similar to once I was doing standardized testing and making use of to schools.
I ended up going to a neurologist, who put me on treatment that undoubtedly helped loads. I take it at night time as a result of it makes me drowsy, however I haven’t had some other actual unwanted side effects.
After I began school, pre-COVID, my migraines weren’t a problem in any respect—in all probability as a result of I used to be lively and never looking at screens, that are a significant set off for me, all day. In school I didn’t take notes on my laptop typically, and there weren’t many good boards, simply old school chalkboards. Additionally, there was simply a lot time spent strolling to class or sitting within the library speaking with folks—lengthy, unprompted breaks from screens.
However when lessons went digital as a result of pandemic within the spring of 2020, my migraines abruptly grew to become a problem once more. I used to be on screens all day lengthy. My neurologist stated that I undoubtedly shouldn’t be on screens for lengthy stretches every single day, however there was nothing I might do about it.
After I graduated from school, fairly than go proper right into a job that will contain working remotely on Zoom all day, I spent a 12 months homeschooling a toddler in Maine. Just lately I began a job as a gross sales assistant at a big publishing firm. I used to be so excited once I received this job, particularly as a result of it occurred at a time when it appeared we had been going to be working in particular person for at the very least three days per week. However our places of work had been shut down after a number of folks caught COVID, and as soon as once more I used to be caught at dwelling looking at screens, and I began getting migraines extra typically once more.
I do know I might be higher about taking display screen breaks. I all the time imply to go for a stroll in the course of the day. I do get a lunch break, however I’m nonetheless scared that somebody at work would want one thing from me throughout that point. My neurologist talked about that there are display screen protectors that dim my screens. Usually I maintain my laptop computer display screen fairly dim anyway, however I assume I might strive that. Within the workplace there are massive displays I can hook my laptop as much as, that are actually useful. That may be one other benefit of being within the workplace.
I’m unsure but whether or not constant work stress will play a task in my migraines. For now, typically my job is demanding, however there are days folks don’t want as a lot from me. Up to now it hasn’t been something too loopy. Nonetheless, even with out sustained, common work stress, I’m again to getting some migraine signs just about every single day, however they’re not debilitating. I’ve simply gotten so used to them that I don’t actually do something to handle my situation past taking my treatment. The preliminary neurologist appointment was straightforward and quick, simply answering some questions. Now I solely go in a few times a 12 months to get the prescription renewed. I do know so many individuals who complain about migraines however don’t take the step to go see a neurologist; I believe they need to as a result of remedy actually did make an enormous distinction for me.
Clare Collins is a gross sales assistant in New York Metropolis. Petra Guglielmetti is a contract author in Cape Elizabeth, Maine. Observe her on Instagram @girlgonemaine.
Supply: Glamour