What Happened When I Stopped Apologizing For My Migraine Attacks

The #NeriviVoices initiative is a united effort to bring attention to the complex nature of migraine disease. By sharing personal experiences, we aim to increase understanding, empathy, and support withing and beyond the migraine community.

Living with migraine often means navigating a delicate balance between managing the pain and fitting in with society’s expectations. However, a significant turning point in my journey occurred when I made a conscious decision to stop apologizing for the impact of this debilitating disease. It was a transformative experience that reshaped not only how I approached life with migraine but also how others perceived and supported me.

Apologizing for circumstances beyond my control and for the disruptions migraine caused in my life was becoming a habit. The guilt associated with canceling plans, asking people for help or constantly disappointing others became a relentless cycle and it seemed impossible to break free, until I decided to end this apologetic pattern.

One might expect that refusing to apologize could lead to strained relationships or a sense of isolation. Surprisingly, the opposite occurred. By choosing not to apologize, I redirected my focus toward proactive self-care and open communication. I began to prioritize self-acceptance, fostering an environment where others could empathize with my struggles. It reshaped how people perceived and responded to my experiences and it encouraged those around me to view my struggles with compassion rather than disappointment.

This shift in perspective resulted in a strong sense of empowerment. I discovered the power of choosing self-compassion over unnecessary shame, and prioritized resilience over guilt. Consequently, I developed a holistic approach to managing migraine that involved lifestyle changes, stress management techniques, and a search for migraine therapies that wouldn’t disrupt my life and health.

If you take anything from this article, take this: migraine is not a flaw to be apologized for but a part of our reality that requires acknowledgment and acceptance. Embrace the challenges, educate yourself about migraine disease, acknowledge your vulnerabilities, and choose empathy over unnecessary guilt. It improved my well-being. I hope it can improve yours too.  

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*The views expressed in this article are the writer’s own and do not represent the official position of the Nerivio brand. Additionally, it is highly recommended that you consult your doctor before taking any action based on the information above. This content does not constitute medical advice or recommendation.

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