Anxiety and depression in headache and migraine sufferers

Headaches and migraines are rapidly becoming the number one cause of pain and disability in the world. They are often misdiagnosed, mismanaged and poorly treated leaving sufferers frustrated and in pain. These high and consistent levels of pain can trigger other conditions such as anxiety and depression which are often seen in higher levels in headache and migraine sufferers. 

In Australia, migraines affect up to 4 million people whilst tension type headaches affect up to 7 million people (Headache Australia) meaning that you or someone else you know is suffering with one of these conditions. Nearly all migraine sufferers report a decrease in work capacity and social interactions (Headache Australia) and from speaking with patients, all chronic sufferers report a significant decrease in their mood since suffering with their headaches and/or migraines. 

In general, in any one year, approximately 1 million Australians will suffer with depression and over 2 million with suffer with anxiety. Over average, 1 in 3 women and 1 in 5 men (averaging 1 in 4 people) will suffer from anxiety at some stage over the course of their life (Beyond Blue). 

Studies have shown that as many as 40% of those suffering with migraines also experience depression and those suffering with migraines are more likely to experience PTSD than the general population. It has been shown in those who experience both anxiety disorders and major depression that anxiety often preceded the migraines but that major depression often followed the onset of migraines and that people with generalised anxiety disorders in particular often experience migraines and other forms of headaches. 

Therefore not only do we need to be looking after our headache and migraine patients from a physical point of view, but we need to be looking after our headache and migraine sufferers from a mental health perspective as well and understand the highly significant impact that these conditions can have on us and our loved ones. 

Signs of anxiety: 

• Hot and cold flushes
• Racing heart beat
• Tightening of the chest
• Restlessness
• Feeling edgy/wound up/tense
• Obsessive thinking
• Catastrophizing
• Avoidance of situations

Signs of depression: 

• Withdrawing from activities, friends and/or family
• Being less productive
• Unable to concentrate
• Feeling overwhelmed, guilty, irritable, lacking in confidence, unhappy, miserable, sad
• Feeling tired all the time
• Sleep problems
• Loss or change in appetite

So what can you do to help manage your anxiety and/or depression? 

• Slow breathing techniques
• Listening and focusing to music
• Take a walk
• Perform physical exercise that you enjoy
• Meditation
• Yoga
• Maintain a healthy lifestyle by staying active, eating well and getting enough sleep
• Perform small acts of bravery/challenges
• Talk to family and friends/have a strong support network
• Speak to a counsellor/psychologist

Headaches and migraines not only have a significant impact on us from a pain perspective but they can take an immense toll on us mentally. Therefore it is important to make sure that you take care of yourself and listen to what your body is telling you. Take the time to listen to your body and seek help early if required.