14 Ways to Get Involved This Migraine & Headache Awareness Month … If You Want to

The most important thing to remember is that the best way to get involved this month is whatever way feels best to you.

For some people, June is the kickoff to sandal weather and backyard barbecues. If you’re living with chronic migraine and headache, you may know it’s also the beginning of Migraine & Headache Awareness Month (MHAM).

It is estimated that migraine affects 1 billion people worldwide, yet many people still believe that migraine is just a “bad headache,” rather than a serious neurological disease. These sorts of misconceptions can make living with migraine feel isolating, like no one really understands what you are going through.

Whether you’re new to navigating migraine or have been living with migraine for decades, it can be helpful to connect with others and get involved in events and initiatives committed to spreading migraine awareness.

MHAM is an important time to boost community support and advocacy efforts to help people directly affected by migraine. For some, it may feel uncomfortable or unnecessary to “celebrate” migraine. The most important thing to remember is that the best way to get involved this month is the way that feels best to you.

However much or little you decide to participate, here are some options to consider:

Join the free Migraine community!

Connect with thousands of members and find support through daily live chats, curated resources, and one-to-one messaging.

Sign up

Seek out a proper diagnosis

It’s not uncommon for migraine to be undiagnosed or untreated. Set up an appointment with your primary care doctor or a neurologist to discuss your symptoms and treatment options. Stay up to date with migraine research.

Keep a headache diary

Using a diary can help you monitor your triggers and track the effects of medications or other treatments. Jot down details of your migraine and headache episodes, such as the date, duration, and symptom severity.

Wear purple

Purple became the official color of MHAM in 2012. Show your support by wearing purple clothing or accessories like a ribbon.

Make a self-care plan

Nourishing your body can help reduce stress and address migraine symptoms. Not everything works for everyone, but here are some tips to consider:

• Have meals and snacks at regular times.
• Avoid foods that trigger symptoms.
• Stay hydrated.
• Limit alcohol consumption.
• Consult with a doctor about supplements for symptom management.
• Drink caffeinated drinks in moderation.

Spread the word

Awareness is key to addressing stigma. The theme of MHAM this year is “Educate Yourself, Educate Others.” A simple way to get started is by educating yourself and sharing your knowledge with others.

Be sure to visit National Migraine & Headache Awareness Month for a list of events happening in June. Or, check out what other people have to say, like The Migraine Diva, who is a powerful patient advocate and writer.

Recognize “Headache at Work Day” on June 1

The goal of Headache at Work Day is to increase awareness about the need for workplace accommodations for people living with migraine.

Visit Migraine at Work for tools, resources, and advice from leading experts about how employers and employees can create a stigma-free and migraine-friendly workplace.

Join “Move Against Migraine”

Move Against Migraine is a platform created by the American Migraine Foundation to increase self-advocacy and awareness of treatment options. Through the platform, you can find educational resources and connect with doctors and leading migraine researchers.

Sign up for a Walk, Run, or Relax event

Miles for Migraine hosts events to raise awareness and money for migraine research. They offer youth programs and educational seminars for adults.

You can search for virtual and hybrid events happening in 24 cities throughout 2023. Their virtual Walk, Run, or Relax events can be completed anywhere at any time.

You can even become an event volunteer or join their communications, social media, or fundraising teams.

Acknowledge disparities in headache on June 19

Migraine disproportionately affects Black people. Join the call to fight systemic racism and unconscious bias that leads to health disparities.

Get involved in health equity conversations happening on Juneteenth (June 19), a holiday that commemorates the announcement of the abolition of slavery in the United States.

Celebrate “Migraine Solidarity Day” on June 21

Many people with migraine experience sun and light sensitivity. In honor of Migraine Solidarity Day, the Association of Migraine Disorders is hosting a campaign called Shades for Migraine. Show your solidarity by wearing your shades.

Better yet, wear sunglasses with purple lenses or frames to symbolize migraine awareness around the world. Take a photo of yourself and share it on social media with the hashtag #ShadesForMigraine.

Then, invite three friends to do the Shades for Migraine challenge too.

Share your story

Talking about your experience is a great way to find your voice and connect with others. Share your story on social media with the hashtag #MHAM2023.

You can even pitch an article to the editors at Bezzy Migraine for a chance to have your story published.

Make a donation

To support efforts to reduce stigma and promote research and education, consider donating or encouraging others to contribute to one of the following organizations:

• National Headache Foundation
• Miles for Migraine
• American Migraine Foundation
• Association of Migraine Disorders
• Clusterbusters
• Patient Advocate Foundation

Raise money for cluster headache research on June 24

Sign up for the #CureforCluster 5k Run/Walk event, held virtually. You can run or walk in your neighborhood, or hop on a treadmill. Take a photo of yourself in your #CureforCluster T-shirt and use the hashtag in your social media posts.

All event proceeds go to research through the organization Clusterbusters.

Take part in “Chronic Migraine Awareness Day” on June 29

Chronic Migraine Awareness (CMA) is a non-profit committed to spreading awareness and providing support for people living with chronic migraine.

There are plenty of other ways to get involved with CMA this month. Consider making a donation, signing up for their virtual support group, or downloading the CMA Color Therapy coloring book.

The bottom line

Awareness days and months like MHAM can stir up a range of emotions, from hopefulness to loneliness to frustration. Having a spotlight on your condition or feeling pressured to celebrate might be unnerving. After all, migraine and headache disorders are still highly stigmatized.

Whether you choose to acknowledge the month, and whether participating means you’re heading out to an event or lying in bed, what’s important is doing what feels best for you.

To connect with other people who understand what you’re going through this month and all year round, join the conversation in the Bezzy Migraine forums.