What it’s like to live with migraine and how the right environment helps

Debbie Shipley

Head of Information and Support, Migraine Trust

Many people will be familiar with the word migraine. However, there is a high level of misunderstanding about what a migraine actually is and what it means to live with it.

A migraine is more than ‘just a headache.’ There is a common misconception that someone with migraine will need to take paracetamol or lie down for an hour and then be fine. Instead, living with a condition like this can have a significant impact on a person’s ability to carry out day-to-day tasks.  

Know the migraine symptoms 

The symptoms of migraine attacks can include head pain; problems with sight, such as seeing flashing lights; being very sensitive to light, sounds and smells; fatigue; feeling sick and being sick. Migraine attacks usually last for between four hours and three days and can be incredibly debilitating. As well as the physical symptoms, living with migraine can affect other aspects of life including mental health, relationships and working life. 

Approximately 190,000 migraine attacks happen
every day in the UK — equivalent to about 396
attacks a minute in the average working day.

Discrimination at work

Lack of understanding about migraine means that, worryingly, a third of people with migraine have felt discriminated against at work. Almost half report not being believed or taken seriously, and a quarter have faced disciplinary action. A third have had to leave their jobs altogether. 

Approximately 190,000 migraine attacks happen every day in the UK — equivalent to about 396 attacks a minute in the average working day. Despite being such a common experience for so many people of working age, employees with migraine are simply not receiving adequate support. 

Migraine-friendly workplace environment 

For the vast majority of people with migraine, their condition should not be a barrier to finding and retaining employment. However, from time to time, it may have an unavoidable impact at work. There are some solutions employers can implement to support staff with migraine. This includes regular screen breaks, softer lighting, flexible working hours and quiet spaces. Asking employees what they need to help manage their migraine in the workplace can help provide a safe and supportive environment to start conversations.  

One in seven people in the UK live with migraine. By understanding what it means to live with migraine, we can ensure they can live better.