In 2020, Tabitha Losavio began to experience migraine attacks almost every day. They got so bad that she rarely left her bed.
With the help of her mom, Losavio found a headache specialist who diagnosed her with chronic migraine with aura.
Losavio’s diagnosis in 2020 came not long after she graduated from college. At the time, her migraine attacks were so frequent and painful that she couldn’t imagine working a full-time job.
But after pursuing treatment and learning more about her chronic migraine, Losavio found a position she could do while living with chronic migraine.
Facing a Career With Migraine
Losavio now works in music distribution. The 29-year-old who lives in Queens, New York, says her workplace allows her to work from home some days each week, which helps her manage unpredictable migraine attacks.
If you have chronic migraine, showing up to a full-time job in the office can feel intimidating. You don’t know when your next migraine may attack. Your workplace might have bright lights or loud noises that could trigger an attack. Plus, work stress never helps.
But work can also feel like a symbol of your worth. You may feel shame or guilt if you can’t work as many hours or do the same tasks as other coworkers. You may worry that other coworkers will think you are lazy or flaky for calling out sick or leaving work early.
But pretending to be alright when you don’t feel well can take a toll.
Make Your Job Work for You
When a migraine attack hits, remind yourself that taking time to recover and heal will help you do better at work in the long run. Sick days and paid time off exist to give employees like you time to rest and invest in themselves.
It can be easy to overlook basic work-related influences on migraine, says Lindsey Shomer, OTD, OTR/L, CEAS, an associate professor of clinical occupational therapy at the University of Southern California.
“Are they eating consistently? Are they staying hydrated? Are they having trouble sleeping at night because they're stressed about work?” Shomer says.
You may find that small changes to your work routine or workspace can make a big difference. Consider requesting work accommodations from your employer.
Some common accommodations for people with chronic migraine include a more flexible work schedule, increased breaks, or a quieter work space.
In some cases, you might reconsider what jobs work best for you.
You may find a work-from-home job, or one like Losavio’s that requires only a few days in the office each week, can help you control your workspace and manage symptoms.
You don’t necessarily have to give up on your career dreams, though. Losavio hopes to pursue a career in the film industry one day. It just might look a little different than she had imagined.
“There are still ways that I can be creative and I can still do what I need to do, but it's just going to look a little bit different,” Losavio says.
Losavio says writing and editing scripts or crafting narration for documentaries all interest her. Rather than viewing her chronic migraine as an end to her ambitions, she looks for the path forward.
Options for When Work Isn’t On the Table
Sometimes, the road ahead means knowing when you need a break — or a full stop.
Work might affect your migraine. Or your migraine attacks may worsen and make it difficult to do your duties.
If you realize a traditional full-time job doesn’t work for you anymore, or if you need to take a temporary break from work, you have options.
“Your body maybe really needs time to step away and truly rest and reset before considering going back to work,” Shomer says.
Work part-time
You may be able to trim your work hours to part-time. Sometimes, you can work part-time and still qualify for benefits if you work a certain number of hours per week. Check with your employer to find out if this is an option.
Private disability insurance
Employer-based disability insurance can also offer solutions when you need to take time away from work. Short-term disability insurance typically covers qualified time off of 90 days or less. You usually receive full pay while taking time off.
Long-term disability insurance covers eligible time off beyond the first 90 days. It will still pay you a portion of your salary while you are away from work.
Family and Medical Leave Act
The Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) is another option. If you are eligible for FMLA through your employer, you may be able to take leave for up to 12 weeks per year. With FMLA, you do not get paid for the time you are away, but you will still keep your job and benefits while you take time off.
Social Security Disability Insurance
Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) offers monthly financial help if your chronic migraine prevents you from working enough to support yourself.
You may qualify if your migraine attacks are ongoing, you can show medical proof of chronic migraine, and you can show that they have kept you from being able to work regularly.
Talk to your doctor to find out whether they will support your SSDI application. You will need to collect documents to include with your application, like medical and treatment records. You can then apply online, by phone, or in person at a Social Security Administration office near you.
Living Well Despite Chronic Migraine
Losavio knows her life isn’t just about her career. She’s found hobbies and activities that work for her.
Right now, she’s learning how to embroider. It’s given her a new creative outlet, and she can even make her own embroidered gifts for friends and family.
You may find your life changes after a diagnosis of chronic migraine. You can adapt your life to care for your health, rather than letting your migraine take over.
Try new things
Consider other ways you can participate in old hobbies or career dreams. Maybe there’s a different role in your industry you’ve never considered trying. If you love music, perhaps a cappella choir concert isn’t loud enough to bother you on a night out. Or, try taking walks in a local park or on a hiking trail instead of through a busy urban area that might have more migraine triggers.
Little updates and an openness to trying new things can help you discover what feels good to you.
Get involved and give back
You don’t have to earn money to give back to your community and help others. You might find fulfillment and new friends through volunteer opportunities near you. Choose activities you enjoy and find meaningful.
You can pick and choose which activities you do and leave out those that might trigger your migraine attacks.
Seek support groups
Join a support group online or in person to connect with other people who live with chronic migraine. You’ll hear from others with similar experiences, and you just might learn some new ways to care for yourself as well.
Losavio got involved with Miles for Migraine, an organization that supports and offers resources to people living with migraine. She attends a weekly support group and also helps out with advocacy events.
“It made me feel like I'm not alone in this,” Losavio says. “I can just discuss all these weird symptoms I get. Or, ‘Have you tried this medication? Have you tried this procedure?’”
Consider therapy or a life coach
If you can, consider finding a therapist or life coach to help you manage life with chronic migraine. A therapist who specializes in chronic illness may be able to help you process your emotions and find healthy ways to deal with your condition.
A life coach can help you define goals and make action plans to live your life despite chronic migraine.
