Hello everyone,
I finally have a day of respite from my headache after a week of suffering. I have been feeling guilty because I haven't had time to exercise, I've spent a lot of time in bed I've been worn out and I've been neglecting a lot of things in my life. With the relief came a chance to reflect.
Six months ago I was working with a headache each day, going home to bed and then repeating the pattern. When I asked for more medication the doctor put me on disability and I started to get better. I have moments where the headaches get bad again and life seems to stop and then I have a bright day where I can reflect and I realize how much life has changed.
There is a really good article on the healing well website titled Headache, Stress and "Moods" and can be found at
https://www.healingwell.com/library/migraines/info7.aspx. It identifies the roles that stress plays in your life and the affect on your moods.
I have learned to set priorities in my life. For me they are ME, My MARRIAGE, My INCOME (to keep a roof over my head), My RELATIONSHIPS (My family and friends), My EDUCATION (to move my career ahead).
Keeping these priorities in mind helps me minimize my stress. I do my best to exercise each day - even if I have a headache. Just a short walk can do a lot to naturally help me feel better. I take a multi vitamin. I eat healthy. I take time to myself. I get up and stick to a routine. I see my friends and family. I tell my husband how much I love him regularly.
What I've learned is that feeling guilty doesn't do anything. I am doing my best and as long as I remember my priorities I accomplish as much as is physically possible at that moment. I have also learned that worrying often makes my headaches worse by adding stress.
My life is very different now, though I do revert back to worrying and feeling guilty when I'm suffering. I thought this might be helpful to others who are experiencing similar situations.