Migraine Journey Wednesdays (Vol.15 – Katrina Ruiz)

I’m 22 year old female born in Hong Kong, raised in Singapore. I’m originally from the Philippines. I currently reside in Canada.
My Family’s History with Migraines
My migraines come and go. They mostly occur during my menstrual cycles. Sometimes I do experience migraine that are no where near the time where m cycle is supposed to start. My mother has a history of migraines, not so much my father and my brother. The migraines vary in frequency. On a scales of 1-10, my migraines oscillate between 5-7. I do experience migraines when I’ve slept too much but sometimes the headaches randomly occur.
The People Around Me
My brother is very supportive and understanding and my parents get concerned sometimes.

The Effect of Migraines on My Life
Having migraines definitely affects my ability to focus, my irritability and ability to work. I’m an animation student, and my work load is heavy. I have anger issues but I manage to keep it subdues most of the time except when m migraines are active. I’m more susceptible to losing my temper and lashing out.
What I’ve Tried
I cannot exactly treat my migraines with pain killers due to the fact that I am also on an SSRI medication treating depression. I cannot take medication that has any neurological effects.
Days Things Get Unbearable
I drink a sleep aid and sleep it off. I stay away from people so I don’t hurt anyone so I recover in seclusion. I refuse to disturb anyone with my condition.
Thank you, Katrina, for stepping forward to share your migraine journey with everyone. If you would like to share your story and let your voice be heard like Katrina, you may do so here: bit.ly/2rJcpMR
With love,
the Migraine Buddy team ?