Avoiding the "anticipatory" migraine

Migraines are not inevitable. As migrianeurs we are a very introspective bunch. We know ourselves. All too well. We know what our major triggers are and we know when and where we're going to get a migraine.

But do we really know ourselves so well? Or is it a self-fulfilling prophecy. Sure, there are times when we are more susceptible than others, but are we suffering more than we should from "anticipatory" migraines. The stress of knowing, of being so certain that we are going to have a migraine that we, well, induce a migraine.

This is another one of those common cycles for migraineurs. And one that is difficult to break, because it's important to track our migraines and understand our triggers as a basic tool of prevention. However, we can't fixate on it mentally and emotionally, because can be a trigger in and of itself. Stress.

So how do you escape the cycle of tracking our triggers and perseverating upon them to the point of migraine?

I try to relax and take a whatever will be will be attitude. It doesn't always come easy, but doing so does seem to lead to less frequent migraines. And more importantly I find their impact is significantly lessened.

I have taken the power away from them. They're not going to ruin my day. I don't get upset and I don't get angry. This helps a great deal.

Also, when I'm really struggling to let go of my "migraine voice", I calmly assure myself "your not going to get a migraine". Not in an overpowering way. That is self destructive, as well. I say it in a casual voice gently reminding myself that there are things in life I cannot control.

This doesn't mean I don't try to change my environment when triggers are significant. I'll continue to opt for the seat facing away from the window and watch my diet relatively closely.

But the point is to live. To really try to escape the migraine's hold that grips you daily, even when you're not having a migraine.

If you enjoy those moments, and avoid the constant anticipation and discussion of being on the verge of migraine at any moment, you may find the migraines aren't quite as bad when they do occur.