Under-30 with Migraine – Special Risk?

A study among Canadian migraine patients says that the under-30 crowd may be at special risk.  You might be surprised to know why.

It’s not news that depression and migraine often go together.  The reasons are not so simple.  Many migraineurs are not depressed, and many with depression don’t have migraine.  But there does seem to be a link, possibly related to the body’s neurological system and genetics.

But a study that came out of Canada late last year sounded the alert for a specific group of people.  These people are young, unmarried, and had migraine.  And that migraine was significantly limiting their activities.

This group was more likely to be depressed, and more likely to have thoughts of suicide.

Although the reasons were not clear from the study, some reasons may be obvious.  Many of these people have been recently diagnosed.  When the world was supposed to be opening up to them, careers starting, and opportunities for new relationships appearing – they suddenly encountered a major roadblock.  Migraine.

Being unmarried, some of these may also have less support when they need it.

Depression and suicide are all-too common.  The answer is not “get a grip”.  When related to migraine, there are often physical problems that need to be – and can be – treated.

If you’re under 30 with migraine, there are excellent treatments available.  But you need to know that finding those treatments may take time.

If you had migraine when you were under 30 and you’re now older, what helped you?  If you’re under 30 now, and have migraine, what can we do to help?

For more, you can find the study here:  Migraine and Despair: Factors Associated with Depression and Suicidal Ideation among Canadian Migraineurs in a Population-Based Study