Living with Migraine: Stories of Hope and Resilience

Since developing migraine four years ago, Hobart resident Claire Szymanski has had to stop working and regularly misses out on social events.

Ms Szymanski is one of an estimated 4.9 million Australians who live with migraine of varying frequency and severity.

Another Tasmanian, David Gardiner, has experienced life-changing relief through medication but said living with the disorder had made him more accommodating of others who live with an invisible illness.

Understanding migraine, there are 10 types of migraine and within those types, the disorder can vary in severity and frequency. Common triggers for a migraine attack include certain food, strong smells, bright or flickering lights, and loud noises.

Life-changing relief: Hobart resident David Gardiner has experienced a significant reduction in the severity and frequency of migraine attacks. Triggers for an attack, such as strong smells and flickering or bright lights, are difficult for Mr Gardiner to avoid, but he self-advocates when necessary.

Migraine stigma: Correct language use, such as referring to migraine not in the plural, reduces stigma by reframing migraine as an ongoing disorder that can be triggered into expressing symptoms.

According to the source: Australian Broadcasting Corporation.