Migraine and Relationships: What to Know This Valentine’s Day

Migraine attacks can disrupt plans without warning, shift household duties, and strain relationships. This Valentine’s Day, the Association of Migraine Disorders (AMD) is encouraging partners, family members, and friends to support loved ones living with migraine.

Migraine is a neurological disease that can affect many aspects of a relationship. In an interview with AMD, Dawn Buse, a licensed psychologist and leading migraine researcher, explained the toll migraine can take.

“Migraine is painful, unpredictable, and often isolating,” said Buse. “People frequently feel guilty, helpless, or like they’re letting their partner down. But these feelings are incredibly common and not a personal failure.”

Buse emphasized the importance of communication.

“Talking about migraine outside of an attack, what it’s like, what helps, and what backup plans exist, can make a huge difference,” she said. “Migraine is a neurological disease, not a character flaw. Understanding that helps reduce stigma and resentment within relationships.”

Those with lived experience agree that validation and support are essential.

“My best contribution is making my wife feel like I have things covered while she’s down and out with a migraine attack,” said Glen Whitfield, whose wife has chronic migraine. “Her migraine guilt is real, so I do my best to reassure her: I’ve got this, and I’ve got you.”

In an AMD article on supporting your partner with migraine, Whitfield wrote that migraine isn’t anyone’s fault: “your partner isn’t inconveniencing you, migraine is. Migraine is not a choice.”

Valentine’s Day “gifts” for people with migraine:

• Communicate and make a plan: Discuss needs, triggers, and support strategies before an attack happens, when communication is easier.
• Step in without being asked: Small actions like handling chores, dimming lights, caring for children, or managing noise during an attack are a big help.
• Validation: Reassuring your loved one that you understand migraine is disabling and not their fault can ease guilt and emotional distress.

The full article, How to Support Your Partner with Migraine, is available at:
https://www.migrainedisorders.org/how-to-support-your-partner-with-migraine/

The How Migraine Impacts Relationships interview and podcast is available at: https://www.migrainedisorders.org/podcast/s4ep18-understanding-how-migraine-can-impact-relationships/

About The Association of Migraine Disorders
The Association of Migraine Disorders is a nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the lives of people affected by migraine and other headache disorders through education, advocacy, and research.