Janet Geddis (The Migraine Girl) proposed this thought-provoking question earlier this week. I have encountered my fair share of people who have been intolerant to migraine. Most notably:
- A fellow bar exam studier who labeled me as “dramatic” for the sole reason that “everything” gave me a “headache”
- A former co-worker/attorney who stated that she “didn’t see the big deal over a few headaches” & figured I “just couldn’t handle the stress” of a law firm
- Current co-workers who have labeled me as “sensitive”
- An almost-employer who wanted me to return to work after leaving with a severe migraine requiring injection
Have I, in moments of weakness, wished they were experiencing this pain instead of me? Yes, of course I have.
But do I wish an actual migraine upon them? I want them to be able to understand my pain and the severe restrictions on my daily life without necessarily experiencing something so harsh.
What can we do to ensure that others understand our perspective without wishing something so horrendous upon them?
