Migraine and Relationships: The Invisible Challenges

When people think about migraine and headache disorders, they often think about the pain of an attack. But for many people living with migraine, the impact extends far beyond the pain itself. Migraine and relationships are complicated.

Migraine and other headache disorders can affect relationships with spouses, partners, family members, friends, coworkers, and caregivers. It can influence communication, social plans, daily responsibilities, and emotional well-being.

To explore this often-overlooked aspect of migraine, we spoke with Andy Benckart, LCSW-cc, a licensed clinical social worker who lives with migraine. Drawing from both his personal experience and his work as a therapist, Andy shared insights on communication, support, and the emotional impact migraine can have on everyday life and relationships.

Migraine Affects More Than Physical Pain

One of the biggest misconceptions about migraine and headache disorders is that people only see the attack itself.

The emotional recovery afterward, the anxiety between attacks, brain fog, fatigue, and the constant effort to manage the disease often remain invisible to others. These ongoing effects can make it difficult for people living with migraine to explain what they’re experiencing, leaving loved ones unsure how to help.

When these challenges go unrecognized, they can create frustration, misunderstandings, and feelings of isolation for everyone involved.

Communication is About Sharing the Full Picture

One strategy Andy often recommends is something he calls “setting the table.”

Instead of only saying, “I am having a migraine attack,” he encourages people to provide more context by sharing:

• How they’re feeling physically
• How they’re feeling emotionally
• How migraine is affecting their energy, focus, or ability to function
• What kind of support they need in that moment

Providing this fuller picture can reduce assumptions and help create conversations built on understanding rather than frustration.

Supporting Someone with Migraine

Supporting someone living with migraine or other headache disorders isn’t only about helping during an attack.

Migraine can also bring grief over canceled plans, missed celebrations, reduced participation in activities, and the uncertainty that comes with an unpredictable disease.

Sometimes the most meaningful support comes from simply acknowledging those experiences, listening without judgment, and recognizing that migraine affects much more than physical pain.

Feeling seen and understood helps build trust, safety, and stronger relationships.

Strong Relationships Begin with Understanding

No two people experience migraine the same way, and every relationship is different.

Open communication, empathy, and a willingness to learn from one another can help reduce misunderstandings and strengthen relationships over time.

Whether you live with migraine or love someone who does, recognizing both the physical and emotional impact of this neurological disease is an important step toward supporting one another.

Miles for Migraine Can Help Migraine and Relationships

Migraine can make relationships feel lonely, misunderstood, and strained, but you don’t have to face those challenges alone. Miles for Migraine is committed to helping individuals and families build stronger support systems through free education, support groups, family programming, and community events. By connecting with others who understand the realities of living with migraine, patients and their loved ones can gain practical tools, feel less isolated, and strengthen their relationships through shared understanding.

Whether you join the advocacy training program, join a virtual support group, participate in a Walk, Run, Relax event, or watch an education day, every connection reminds you that you are part of a community that believes you, supports you, and is working to improve life for everyone affected by migraine. Together, we can reduce stigma, foster understanding, and ensure that no one has to navigate migraine alone.

Andy Benckart, LCSW-cc

Andy Benckart, LCSW-cc, is a licensed clinical social worker in Maine who lives with migraine. He works in an outpatient group practice in Kennebunk, supporting adolescents and adults with a variety of mental health needs, including neurodivergence and addiction. Drawing from both his professional expertise and his own experience living with migraine, Andy is passionate about helping people navigate the emotional and relational challenges that can accompany chronic illness.

The information shared in this article is intended for educational purposes and should not replace individualized medical or mental health care.