People with Migraine Disease (especially those that have Migraine with aura) have been shown to have an increased risk of suicide. Dr. Naomi Breslau published the results of a study that examined the risk of suicide attempts and suicidal ideation in four groups: 1) people with Migraine with aura alone, 2) people with Migraine with aura and major depressive disorder, 3) people with Migraine without aura alone, and 4) people with Migraine without aura and major depressive disorder. More about this study and the findings of the study can be found in this article, Migraine and Suicide: Introduction.
Last year, a dear friend of mine wrote a series for National Suicide Awareness Week and Pain Awareness Month that she started with a post titled, Migraine and Suicide. The topics include: how to cope when you are close to the end of your rope, personal stories from those who have been there (Greater Appreciation, When Living Seems Too Hard, and I Want to Live! But I Don't Feel Like I Am!), prevention, on suicide and faith (and a personal experience, Perspective Determines the View), a post especially for loved ones (family, friends, caregivers), and links to other blogs/articles on Migraine and suicide. She does a wonderful job discussing such a difficult subject, and it's definitely worth the read.
Living life day-in and day-out with Chronic Migraine is difficult. Feelings of loneliness and hopelessness often creep in. Living life in so much pain makes you wonder how much living you're really doing. But... there is always HOPE!
I want to encourage you to reach out to someone - a friend, a therapist, a fellow sufferer, a hotline - if you're struggling with feelings of hopelessness, especially if you're contemplating taking your own life.
If you, or someone you know, is in suicidal crisis or emotional distress, please call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255).
