Having a migraine headache can be an isolating experience. The pain is internal, invisible to onlookers. Those who haven't experienced migraines may have a hard time understanding their severity or why they tend to sideline people for an extended period. Although migraines are more common than many other health concerns, affecting millions, their very nature makes them hard non-sufferers to understand.This has a few repercussions. First, the lack of understanding can make dealing with others difficult. Those who cannot imagine a "mere headache" forcing someone into temporary reclusion or making them miss work may perceive a sufferer as "weak". Second, the whole context can make those who suffer from migraines feel very alone. Others don't understand the situation, nor can they readily get an idea of the problem by watching the victim. Finally, the nature and lack of acceptance of migraines does little to help spur research or public awareness of the problem.One way of combating these problems may be developing. Our no-holds barred media coverage of celebrities may just increase awareness of migraines. That is because a handful of famous people are coming forward to discuss their migraine syndromes.Actor Ben Affleck, for instance, has discussed his migraines and how aversely they can affect him. Having a Hollywood leading man marvel at the intensity and debilitating nature of a migraine headache may be one of the most persuasive ways of letting the non-migraine public know just how serious the matter can be.Actress Marcia Cross is also out there discussing her migraine headaches and what they mean. Her announcements are, admittedly, part of her role as a spokesperson for a migraine pharmaceutical. Nonetheless, having a beautiful actress spreading the word about migraines can only help spread awareness.Swedish soccer sensation Fredrik Ljungberg has been very candid in his tales of migraines. He has publicly stated that an intense migraine could sideline him for well over a week and that he fears letting his team down should he suffer a migraine at some critical juncture. Having a professional athlete explain how a headache can leave his so vulnerable reminds everyone of just how serious the neurological syndrome can be.These celebrity statements should help raise overall awareness about migraines. They should also serve as a reminder to sufferers that they are not alone and that migraines attack people from all walks of life and have a serious impact on all of them. That's a comforting thought for someone who may feel as if he or she is alone in his or her agony. The combination of increased awareness and greater appreciation for victims of migraines may also spur more examination and research of the problem. Although having a few celebrities speak out about their migraines is unlikely to change things instantly or dramatically, it does offer a glimmer of hope that things can and will change for the better.
Tuesday, September 1, 2009
Celebrity Migraines Offer Reassurance and Opportunity
Having a migraine headache can be an isolating experience. The pain is internal, invisible to onlookers. Those who haven't experienced migraines may have a hard time understanding their severity or why they tend to sideline people for an extended period. Although migraines are more common than many other health concerns, affecting millions, their very nature makes them hard non-sufferers to understand.This has a few repercussions. First, the lack of understanding can make dealing with others difficult. Those who cannot imagine a "mere headache" forcing someone into temporary reclusion or making them miss work may perceive a sufferer as "weak". Second, the whole context can make those who suffer from migraines feel very alone. Others don't understand the situation, nor can they readily get an idea of the problem by watching the victim. Finally, the nature and lack of acceptance of migraines does little to help spur research or public awareness of the problem.One way of combating these problems may be developing. Our no-holds barred media coverage of celebrities may just increase awareness of migraines. That is because a handful of famous people are coming forward to discuss their migraine syndromes.Actor Ben Affleck, for instance, has discussed his migraines and how aversely they can affect him. Having a Hollywood leading man marvel at the intensity and debilitating nature of a migraine headache may be one of the most persuasive ways of letting the non-migraine public know just how serious the matter can be.Actress Marcia Cross is also out there discussing her migraine headaches and what they mean. Her announcements are, admittedly, part of her role as a spokesperson for a migraine pharmaceutical. Nonetheless, having a beautiful actress spreading the word about migraines can only help spread awareness.Swedish soccer sensation Fredrik Ljungberg has been very candid in his tales of migraines. He has publicly stated that an intense migraine could sideline him for well over a week and that he fears letting his team down should he suffer a migraine at some critical juncture. Having a professional athlete explain how a headache can leave his so vulnerable reminds everyone of just how serious the neurological syndrome can be.These celebrity statements should help raise overall awareness about migraines. They should also serve as a reminder to sufferers that they are not alone and that migraines attack people from all walks of life and have a serious impact on all of them. That's a comforting thought for someone who may feel as if he or she is alone in his or her agony. The combination of increased awareness and greater appreciation for victims of migraines may also spur more examination and research of the problem. Although having a few celebrities speak out about their migraines is unlikely to change things instantly or dramatically, it does offer a glimmer of hope that things can and will change for the better.
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