June is Migraine and Headache Awareness (MHAM) Month. This year’s theme is: You need community. #MHAM #MHAM2020 #YouNeedCommunity
If you're interested in learning more or getting involved, Migraine Headache Awareness Month is a great resource for information regarding upcoming activities being hosted by various individuals and organizations within the headache disorders community.
I’ve participated in Migraine and Headache Awareness Month, since it started in 2012. Some years, I’ve been able to participate more than others. One thing that hasn’t changed, is the excitement of coming together with others in the community to share our stories and do what we can to raise awareness, decrease stigma, and make the invisible visible.
In the past, there have been daily blog and social media challenges. I’ve enjoyed participating in those ways, but I’ve also struggled with feeling guilt and shame for not being able to keep up. That’s something I continue to work on, as the pressure to perform is self-inflicted.
I’m not sure how this year’s awareness month will look, from my participation standpoint. Perhaps I’ll take the opportunity to share some photos and stories from previous advocacy activities and even some attacks (I’ll be sure to label with the date, so it’s clear when they were). Whatever it looks like, I’ll write and share… and, I’ll be proud to be part of a community of people that “get it.”
“One of the most important things you can do on this earth is to let people know they are not alone.”
- Shannon L. Alder
