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Real members of MyMigraineTeam have posted questions and answers that support our community guidelines, and should not be taken as medical advice. Looking for the latest medically reviewed content by doctors and experts? Visit our resource section.

Do You Feel Guilty About Things You Can Not Do?

A MyMigraineTeam Member asked a question 💭
Billerica, MA

It is a beautiful sunny day, the kind of day that I should be out doing some yard work. But, I just can't. My husband works at least 60 hours a week and this weekend he is working on my summer car. We have hired someone to do our yard work and some inside work that I am unable to do. I find it frustrating, and embarrassing that I have to hire someone to work for me and I find myself feeling very guilty. I don't know how to deal with these emotions. I was always the doer, the one that if you… read more

April 22, 2018
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Answer Summary

Members opened up about the profound guilt they feel around their inability to maintain the lives they once led due to chronic migraines, with... Read more

Members opened up about the profound guilt they feel around their inability to maintain the lives they once led due to chronic migraines, with many sharing the pain of canceling plans, neglecting housework, missing family events, and feeling like burdens to their spouses and children. Several members offered validation and solidarity, emphasizing that migraine disease is not their fault and encouraging each other to release the guilt, hire help when possible, prioritize small tasks during good days, and communicate openly with loved ones about their limitations. A recurring theme was the isolating nature of an invisible illness that others dismiss as just a headache, the grief of losing one's former capable self, and the importance of finding community with people who truly understand the daily struggle and emotional toll of living with chronic pain.

A MyMigraineTeam Member

Many years ago - pre-migraine - I was working full-time and had three daughters in school. DH & I made enough money to hire a cleaning service once a week for our home. Those ladies were wonderful! We had to let them go when I was laid off, which is about the same time eldest DD & I started migraining. I haven't worked since & we haven't been able to afford a cleaning service since. Miss Karen, my daughters were 11, 9 & 5 when the eldest & I started migraining. I SO know what you are going through! I can tell you it gets better. Eldest DD hasn't had a bad migraine in years. I've been to the ER once in maybe 8 years & that turned out to be a sinus infection. 24 years into Migraine Disease, I know what to watch out for. I know there is no cure, but I've learned how to manage my symptoms & avoid triggers (including certain family members! LOL!)
May we all learn that we have a disease. We are not at fault here. We deserve to be treated with love and respect. We ARE trying, give us that credit!

May 28, 2019
A MyMigraineTeam Member

Barometric Pressure is hard on my migraines as well!

February 8, 2019
A MyMigraineTeam Member

Yes I understand, I always will feel the same way. My friends are always acting like I’m trying to get out of doing things by using a migraine as an excuse! That kind of stuff sucks and makes me feel worse and more anxious. They don’t get That I would much rather be with them than lying in bed covered up with my head feeling like “ is this the one that will make my brain explode?”

May 28, 2019
A MyMigraineTeam Member

Yes. I feel guilty for not cleaning better, for not being able to plant flowers, for not wanting to cook or go out or have people over. I feel guilty for avoiding certain things that most people do thoughtlessly because I know they'll give me a migraine. I feel guilty for even having a migraine because people assume it's just a bad headache and don't see why I can't just suck it up and go on. I feel guilty for missing work,church, birthday parties and holidays. I don't actually have anything to feel guilty about but it's there anyway. I think society migraine shames us. I keep trying until something works. That way, I can honestly say that I tried and not feel guilty about something that I have no control over.

April 23, 2018
A MyMigraineTeam Member

Is there a normal life for us who suffer from migraines? This barametric pressure is killing me this Winter!!

February 6, 2019

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