ElizaBeth Taylor

Migraine is not a pretty word, but the advice that Jessie James Decker gave out during a recent panel put a spotlight on how to make the world more beautiful if you have them.

Jessie got candid about her personal journey with migraine and its impact on her closest relationships in front of a crowd of a hundred. Expert advice from Nedra Glover Tawwab on maintaining connection in relationships was also shared. Linda Davis, MD and Aubrey Adams, Ph.D also shared medical information that was crucial to  live a life full of wonderful days.

Understanding the meaning of migraine and how to deal with it as you help navigate your loving relationships was a key message during the fantastic event.

(Courtesy Love in Mind)

Love in Mind helps recognize that migraine is more than just a headache. It is an underdiagnosed, undertreated neurological disease that can cause debilitating pain affecting nearly 40 million Americans.

“It was very important for me to be here today to share a message of hope,” stated Decker.

The Love in Mind awareness initiative event featured real stories, and insights from the expert panel. The room was in awe as they equally unpacked their own stories and shared times about the moments migraine interrupts.  Whether a date night to intimate connections, it can have a deep impact on your life. But being hopeful and having a meaningful conversation about the emotional and physical impact of living with migraine with a partner and even family is important toward positive lifestyle choices.

The Love in Mind survey,  recently conducted online by Harris Poll on behalf of AbbVie, took a closer look at how
migraine can affect the emotional, social, and romantic lives of 606 adults living with the disease.

Most survey respondents (89%) agreed* it’s hard to feel present in a romantic relationship when experiencing a migraine attack; a reminder that migraine can extend beyond physical symptoms. Love often takes a rain check. More than half (51%) of survey respondents have cancelled or rescheduled a date due to migraine attacks. On average, they have done so eight times in the past twelve months.

Behind closed doors, the struggle to maintain intimacy can be a challenge. Of those surveyed, 78% of respondents agreed* they sometimes try to push past the pain of migraine attacks to be more physically intimate.

“These survey results highlight how migraine can extend beyond the physical to affect the relationships
and moments that matter most, including how we pursue relationships, maintain connection, and view
ourselves as romantic partners,” said Aubrey Adams, PhD, therapeutic area head, migraine, medical
affairs, AbbVie. “Understanding and acknowledging these impacts is an important part of managing
migraine. Open conversations with a healthcare provider about how migraine truly affects daily life –
relationships, confidence, and sense of self – can be a meaningful step toward comprehensive care.”