Line’s Snapchat Advocacy Story

Line’s Snapchat advocacy story is written and told by Line and edited by Miles for Migraine team.  Miles for Migraine’s Advocacy Stories highlights the many different ways that health advocacy shows up as individuals advocate for themselves and others. This project is not limited to migraine and other headache disorders, nor is it limited to individuals that personally experience a health condition.

Line’s Snapchat Advocacy Story

Two years ago I was in the middle of testing out preventative medicine for my migraine. Nothing worked, I had around 20 migraine-days a month and periodic fatigue. I was feeling very low. 

Then I saw a post on Facebook. This girl was asking if anyone would like to start a Snapchat showing the life of people with migraine and other headache disorders. I just said yes, before I could make up reasons not to! 

A couple of weeks later, I had my first day of telling my story, answering questions, and listening to people who had experiences similar to mine. This was when my true journey to advocating began. They listened to me and we shared stories and I began to help others with migraine. There are not enough resources available to people with migraine. I am extremely interested in my diagnosis. Gaining as much knowledge as possible has been a coping mechanism for me. Also, I am lucky to have a great neurologist who spends time explaining things to me and forwarding research materials and articles to me. 

What Advocacy Gave to Line

Getting to use some of the things I have learned so I can help others, has given me so much satisfaction! Two years in, I am working as an admin in the Snapchat group. (Hodepinedagbok – which is Norwegian for headache diary) We have a solid group of followers and we have had many professional guests, including a widely known headache specialist from Norway. And! I have met some of my best friends in this group 💜 Having this kind of community is a blessing. That’s why we are working to reach out to as many people with migraine as possible; offering knowledge, advice, community, and support. Once you start advocating, you cannot wait to help others.

Tell your Advocacy Story

Do you have an advocacy story to tell like Line’s Snapchat advocacy story? What is one of the most memorable advocacy experiences in your headache disease journey/daily life? Try to recall a time when you practiced advocacy. Perhaps you shared your story, posted on social media, or attended an advocacy event such as Headache on the Hill or a Miles for Migraine event.

Looking back on that experience, what did you notice? Did you experience a negative moment such as shame, stigma, or a positive moment such as joy, hope, or relief? If there was conflict, did you resolve it or was it a conflict that still affects you today? If the outcome was positive, how did that make you feel? Did the outcome cause you to advocate again for yourself? How has your most memorable story shaped you today? There is no right or wrong way to share your story.

Donate

Are you inspired by these advocacy stories and want to donate to  Miles for Migraine? All or part of your donation may be tax-deductible as a charitable contribution. Please consult with your tax advisor. Funds raised help with our operational costs so that we can continue to produce races and youth camp events. Money raised through donations and race registrations goes directly to medical organizations researching migraine.