Firstly, let me say to you that we know that we can be nightmare to put up with and that if we could change it in an instant we would. Your support and understanding is the most valuable thing to the sufferer.
I have put together a list of do's and don'ts but it is best to discuss these with whoever is suffering from the headaches so you understand what is best for them. Some people like to warm others like to be cold, some people like company others want to be on their own and this may vary from day to day...
This list is most applicable when they have a bad day or particularly bad migraine. On a day to day basis carry on as normal, the less it affects your life the better.
The Do's
- Open windows to allow clean, cool air to circulate.
- Company - when my head is bad I like nothing better lying down with somebody gently rubbing my head.
- Ice packs, frozen peas - place something cold on the head.
- Drinks - make sure they keep their fluids up
- Quiet - try and keep things quiet particularly if they are sleeping
- Encourage them to see a Dr if they haven't already.
- Make them laugh - laughter always has been a wonderful medicine...
- Be sympathetic.
- Focus on the positives and finding the trigger and cure.
The Don'ts
- Ask "Do you still have a headache?" the tone here is all wrong, reminding them the headache hasn't gone away, making it sound like like it's almost an inconvenience isn't perhaps the best method of approach.
- Company - sometimes we just need to be on our own
- Appliances - when headaches are their worst be considerate, think twice before using tumble driers, washing machines, hoovers etc...
- Dont tell them what's comfortable! It might be that lying down on the cold kitchen floor is the only place that they feel comfortable.
- Tell them that it's stress. If it is stress, telling them that is not going to help and stress is such a buzzword nowadays it seems like you are not taking their headaches seriously. Stress headaches have specific symptoms and classic patterns - a headache specialist will be able to rule this out.
- Make them feel that their headaches are an inconvenience. The headaches are an inconvenience and if you are feeling it then it's a fraction of what they are feeling as they experience pain injection into daily life.
