FOR more than 30 years Booragoon author Lannah Sawyers-Diggens has been suffering from migraines.
At times they last for two to three days, causing her to vomit, and the only way she can get rid of them is by lying in a dark room and taking medication.
Ms Sawyers-Diggens is not alone. The latest statistics by Headache Help shows migraines affect one in two women in their lifetime.
“I put it hugely down to stress, I think people stress a lot more and don’t take time out to relax, we just keep going,” Ms Sawyers-Diggens said.
Ms Sawyers-Diggens, who also suffers from other health issues, said she was limited to the medication she could take so, for her, it was important to manage the pain by lying down and sleeping it off.
Last week was National Pain Week, and a spokeswoman for Headache Help said it was a gentle reminder to the community that healthy lifestyles can reduce the risk of becoming a headache sufferer.
“Many people have headaches but do not realise that it can lead to chronic pain and that it can be overcome by lifestyle changes,” Beth Eggleston said.
Headache Help will hold a free information evening on a Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction Course on Wednesday, August 22.
For information, call Headache Help at 0401 386 262 or email headachehelp@ cnswa.com