I have struggled with migraine since I was 15 years old. Back then the migraine attacks arrived like clockwork – every Monday at 4pm. At times they would disappear for a while, only to return again. When I started my first year of university at 18, the attacks came back weekly. I often found myself stuck in my halls instead of socialising, trying to manage the pain while everyone else was enjoying student life.

Over the years I learned to cope with them as best I could. Some weeks were better than others. Medication helped a little (taking a triptan would sometimes ease the pain) but migraine attacks still occur once or twice a week. Even on the better days, they affect every part of my life: studying, exercising, socialising, and planning for the future.

I had to cancel travel plans, lost money, and couldn’t work.

However, nothing prepared me for what happened in June 2024. That summer, I hit my head and suffered a severe concussion. What followed was the worst period of my life. I developed post-traumatic concussion syndrome and began experiencing debilitating migraine attacks almost every day. For three months straight I was essentially bed-bound. I had to cancel travel plans, lost money, and couldn’t work. I couldn’t socialise, exercise, or even sit through a family meal without being in excruciating pain. Some days I couldn’t even watch television.

Then I hit my head again, causing another concussion, and the cycle started all over again.

The isolation during that time was overwhelming. I was 21 years old and felt like I was missing out on life completely. I missed out on a summer camp opportunity, months of travel, and so many experiences that people my age were enjoying. I felt useless and incredibly depressed.

People can’t see the pain you’re in.

One of the hardest parts was that migraine is an invisible illness. People can’t see the pain you’re in. Some people thought I was exaggerating. Others thought I was weak. A few people simply drifted away. Even people close to me struggled to understand what I was going through. At times it felt like people expected me to “just get on with it” because it had been going on for so long.

The constant pain took a serious toll on my mental health. Suicidal thoughts were frequently on my mind, and I began self-harming as a way to distract myself from the physical pain. I remember lying in bed wondering whether I would ever get better, or if this would be my life forever: bed-bound and unable to live normally. That uncertainty was terrifying.

Reading stories and blogs from other people experiencing similar struggles was incredibly comforting.

During that time, I came across The Migraine Trust while searching online for support. I was lying in bed most days and hoping to find some kind of community. Reading stories and blogs from other people experiencing similar struggles was incredibly comforting. It reminded me that I wasn’t alone. Last year I even took part in the March for Migraine challenge and raised over £500, which felt incredibly rewarding after everything I had been through.

Gradually, the migraine attacks reduced a bit and became less severe. Now, almost two years later, I’m incredibly grateful that I didn’t give up during that dark time. I still experience migraine attacks regularly and manage them with medication and preventative treatment, but I’m determined not to let them control my life.

I’m currently studying for my Diploma in Legal Practice, with the hope of becoming a solicitor. I do worry about how migraine might affect my career – working long hours at screens can be a trigger, and there are days when I’ve had to leave classes early or miss them entirely. Thankfully, my tutors have been understanding. Still, the uncertainty can be difficult.

Migraine affects the smallest details of daily life. Attacks bring intense head pain, nausea, light sensitivity, numbness in my face, and sometimes drooping around my eyes. When a migraine hits, the only thing I can do is lie down in a dark room and wait it out. I avoid triggers where I can (I no longer drink caffeine and try to avoid foods with MSG) but migraine is so unpredictable. I’ve had to cancel plans at the last minute, and I’ve even lost friendships because people didn’t understand why I couldn’t always show up.

Sometimes, I still go to events even when I’m in pain because I don’t want migraine to steal more moments from my life. When I travel or attend important events, I prepare carefully and bring medication with me. Living with migraine means constantly adapting.

Over the past year, I’ve realised something important: we only get one chance at life. For a long time, I felt like my illness had taken so much away from me. But I refuse to let it stop me from pursuing my ambitions or enjoying the moments that matter.

If someone else is struggling the way I was, I would tell them this: try to find ways to manage your condition, but don’t let it stop you from chasing the life you want. It’s incredibly difficult when you’re in the depths of it, but things can get better.

I’m living proof that even after the darkest periods, it’s possible to move forward and to live life to the fullest.

If you are struggling with any of the issues raised in this story, our helpline is here for you. You can get in touch Monday – Friday, 10am – 4pm (excluding Bank Holidays) on 0808 802 0066 or online here.