GAMIAN-Europe, in partnership with the European Migraine and Headache Alliance, has launched a social media campaign across LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and X to raise awareness of the often-overlooked connection between migraines and mental health. The campaign aims to shed light on the significant impact that chronic migraines have on mental well-being, including the strong correlation with conditions such as depression and anxiety.
As part of this initiative, a workshop was held, bringing together individuals with lived experience of the comorbidity of chronic migraines and mental health conditions such as anxiety and depression. These individuals shared personal insights into how migraines not only cause physical pain but also contribute to emotional and psychological strain. The unpredictable and debilitating nature of migraine attacks, combined with the lack of understanding they often encounter, has a significant impact on their quality of life. The findings of our recent report explore the economic and social costs of comorbid migraine and mental health disorders and highlight the lack of a unified treatment approach for both conditions, with healthcare services often treating them separately despite their interconnection.
One of the key goals of the campaign is to reduce the stigma and discrimination surrounding migraine and its link to mental health. Many patients face discrimination not only in their daily lives but also at work and in healthcare settings, with their symptoms often being downplayed or misunderstood. By sharing patient stories and promoting open discussions, GAMIAN-Europe hopes to encourage a more compassionate and informed public attitude toward those living with these invisible conditions. In addition, the initiative advocates for better healthcare policies and increased investment in research on this comorbidity. The campaign urges healthcare providers to adopt a holistic approach to treatment, where both physical and mental aspects of migraine are addressed simultaneously to improve patient outcomes.
GAMIAN-Europe invites the public to view the video, in which Alessandra Sorrentino, president of Italy’s Alleanza Cefalalgici shares her personal story of living with migraine and a mental health condition and read the report that provides insightful statistics and recommendations for healthcare providers.
Join the conversation around the need for more comprehensive care for people affected by migraines and mental health challenges!
For more information, follow GAMIAN-Europe and participate in #EuropeanMigraineDayofAction to help spread awareness about this overlooked health issue.
Video: https://youtu.be/J3ecglWu0zA?si=qS_JnHXsnxsp-sD5
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