8 Ways to Help People with Migraines Headaches

If you are someone who gets migraine headaches, you can agree that some quality assistance would be very nice during one of these debilitating attacks. If you have a loved one who suffers from frequent migraines, there are several ways that you can assist them through these painful episodes.

The purpose of this post is to provide you with a list of concrete ways you can provide assistance. People often ask migraine sufferers how they could be of assistance. They have good intentions, but it can be a difficult thing for many to answer.

1) Offer to Run by the Grocery Store

Here’s a great way to provide assistance to someone who has been sidelined by chronic migraines all week. Just be sure to specify whether you’re going to be picking up a couple things for them or if you can pick up everything on their entire grocery list.

2) Offer to Run Other Daily Errands

This can go hand in hand with offering to pick up items at the grocery store. If you’re already planning on running several errands that day, then you can make your offers specific to what you’re going to be doing. Otherwise, you can ask them if there are some specific errands they need done.

3) Offer to Pick Up Their Prescription

Over-the-counter medications might not cut it for some chronic migraine headaches. Picking up someone’s prescription medication is a great way to provide assistance. If you have their address and other verification details, then you could also call in to get their prescription filled for them.

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4) Offer to Give Them a Ride to Their Appointments

Getting behind the wheel with migraine symptoms is a very dangerous idea. Unfortunately, life does not pause during one of these attacks. If you have the availability, then you can offer to give your friend or family member a ride to their appointment(s). Let them know if this is something that you can help with regularly or if it’s a one-time thing.

5) Help Out with Household Chores

Let your friend know you have some time to help them out around the house. Cleaning and other chores can pile up when trying to cope with migraine headaches. Be clear about the types of household tasks you’re comfortable performing. You don’t want your friend thinking they have burdened you with their request.

6) Prepare a Meal for Them

Good food can help make anyone feel a bit better. Why not make a special meal for your friend to enjoy once their symptoms have come down a bit? You could also bring them one of their favorite to-go meals if you’re not very confident in the kitchen. Keep in mind that certain foods can act as migraine triggers, so ask your friend or family member if there are any items you should avoid.

7) Offer to Help Out with Their Kids or Pets

A parent who suffers from frequent migraines constantly worries about how their illness might impact their children. The unfortunate truth is that their chronic pain could lead to several missed events down the road. If you’re also a parent, then you can really help out by offering to pick them up from school or taking them to other appointments.

You could also offer to help out with other child-oriented activities. Fairs, zoos and other childhood favorites are jam-packed with potential migraine triggers. Again, this could be a great way to provide assistance if you are a parent.

Things like strong odors and walking can easily exacerbate migraine symptoms. This can make owning a pet much more difficult for migraine sufferers. Provide some extra assistance by offering to take their dog on a walk or clean up their cat’s litter box.

8) Listen to Them

Lastly, we recommend taking the time to talk to your friend/family member about their condition. Migraine headaches can also take a serious emotional toll on a person. Providing an outlet so that they can vent some of their frustrations and anxieties can provide significant relief. The most important thing you can do is be willing to listen.

Around 36 million Americans suffer from migraine headaches. It’s all too common, yet the effects can be widely misunderstood by those who don’t get them. You’re willingness to listen and help the migraineur in your life can change their lives.