1. Try to reduce the stress in your life.

Migraine is a neurological disorder and is not caused by a stressful life. While excessive stress can certainly be a trigger, it is never the cause of migraines.

2. You look really good, not sick at all.

Most sufferers don't show signs of the illness unless you catch them in the middle of an acute attack. Such a statement is hurtful, so it's best to refrain from making this "compliment.".

3. It can't be that bad, I get headaches sometimes too.

Migraine, especially chronic migraine, is not a simple headache, but one of the worst pain conditions that can afflict people. It is among the most severe disabilities, particularly for women. It's not just the typical, usually one-sided, stabbing, throbbing, pulsating headaches that are present – ​​no, the entire body is affected. Sometimes the attack begins with aura symptoms, and sufferers also experience nausea and/or vomiting, dizziness, exhaustion, and sensitivity to light and noise.

4. Get some fresh air and do more exercise!

Those affected love and need fresh air and go outside as often as possible. Moderate endurance exercise can have a preventative effect and is often practiced even during pain-free periods. During an attack, however, physical activity is impossible. Many are bedridden and feel severely ill. Furthermore, those with chronic conditions rarely have pain-free periods to exercise regularly.

5. I recently read about a therapy that can cure migraines. My neighbor's sister-in-law successfully used the "xxx diet" to combat migraines. Have you tried xxx?

While well-intentioned, these kinds of tips are more of a nuisance than a help to those affected. Most people are very well-informed about their condition and have already tried all the alternative treatments in the past, only wasting time and money in the process.

6. Find a hobby, distract yourself!

Would you advise a patient with a broken leg to take up a hobby to speed up healing? Distraction can be helpful for minor discomfort, but it won't prevent attacks or make them easier to bear.

7. Why don't you take a pill?

If only it were that simple. Of course, the attack will be treated, but usually it's not just the pain that's present, but also other severely debilitating conditions as described above. Furthermore, not every pill is reliably effective or sufficiently effective, and a single pill is usually not enough. Those not affected also often overlook the fact that those with a chronic form of the condition, in particular, have to take several medications daily for prevention.

8. Migraine is a women's disease.

It is true that more women than men are affected by migraines, due to hormonal triggers. However, this genetically determined neurological pain disorder affects both women and men.

9. Migraines are psychologically caused; the illness is trying to tell you something.

Migraine is an independent primary illness and never a symptom of another disease! Those affected are neither unwilling to work, mentally ill, nor seeking attention. They simply expect not to be discriminated against by prejudices of this kind.

10. You probably have a food intolerance. Have you seen a naturopathic practitioner? You need to detoxify, cleanse, alkalize, and cut out carbohydrates from your body.

Migraine is a distinct neurological condition, not caused by allergies. There is no poisoning in the body; nothing needs to be detoxified, eliminated, or alkalized. Diets are ineffective. What is important is a balanced, varied diet that includes sufficient carbohydrates. The brain can best and most quickly obtain the increased energy it needs from carbohydrates.

11. If you don't try this or that, no one can help you. Think about why you want to keep your migraines.

Such tips and questions, or similar ones, don't help anyone affected. They cause sadness, isolation, and discrimination.

Have you ever received advice like this? Do you know of any others? Feel free to add your tips in the comments…

Tips inspired by The Migraine Dirty Dozen