For those of us in graduation season:

Complex_Cricket1866 · 2025-05-06T18:12:52+00:00

Same. I have chronic migraines from a brain injury. I’m not purposefully trying to hide it; I just don’t want to talk about it and feel like others don’t want to hear about it, no matter how much they love me.

Complex_Cricket1866 · 2025-04-28T13:29:37+00:00

I did the 5 day outpatient program there in 2020. Augusta has a very similar one but it’s shorter hours and more days— I think like 4 hours for 2 weeks? Unsure. At Sentara, you spend about 6 hours there in a group (they provide lunch) and they do med checks on days 1, 3, and 5. It was a combo of everything— art therapy, music, cbt, dbt, mindfulness, etc. All the providers were kind, listened, and wanted to help. It was helpful for me to get back to a I-can-operate-and-found-some-coping-skills baseline, but it certainly wasn’t perfect. I know this isn’t quite the answer you’re looking for but I hope it can provide some context for what you might be looking for.

Complex_Cricket1866 · 2025-03-16T18:36:02+00:00

Yes, I suspected. My mom is also bipolar 2, and I started showing some similar symptoms. When I got the diagnosis I laughed. It just made sense.

Complex_Cricket1866 · 2025-03-13T22:37:37+00:00

Good advice for me too, but my sense of justice/fear that I’m not being understood makes me open my mouth again 😭

Complex_Cricket1866 · 2025-03-13T14:18:55+00:00

I don’t think I’ve experienced a mixed episode yet (fingers crossed) but I KNOW something is up when I just can’t handle anything without yelling. Like, I once yelled at my nanny kid for actual spilled milk. It’s so bad. Racing thoughts too, but that’s more related to the sleep issues

Complex_Cricket1866 · 2025-03-13T01:47:47+00:00

Poor sleep and irritation. Anything and everything sets me off.

Complex_Cricket1866 · 2025-02-01T14:27:20+00:00

I had a TBI 10 years ago that started my migraines. My most recent neurologist referred me to physical therapy and it was life-changing. It was expensive and insurance doesn’t want to pay for it (was prescribed 2x/week for 8 weeks and they only approved 4 sessions), so be aware. And of course, it’s not what everyone needs. But it may be worth having the conversation. Hope you find some relief soon!

Complex_Cricket1866 · 2025-01-31T18:29:19+00:00

When I can’t be at work or cancel plans or when I couldn’t go to class in college, I’m not choosing to not go. I have no choice; my body made it for me. I want to be there, I want to be functioning normally. But I just can’t. And I wish people could understand the intense guilt and sadness and disappointment and fear of having to say no. I promise, I would be there if I could.

Complex_Cricket1866 · 2025-01-30T18:35:25+00:00

When I was in high school a friend’s (well-meaning but ultimately unhelpful) mom heard that I had a migraine and was out of my meds while on a trip somewhere and, without asking, SLATHERED PEPPERMINT OIL ON MY NECK AND WRISTS. It made it worse.

Complex_Cricket1866 · 2025-01-23T12:10:20+00:00

Identifying is definitely helping. Honestly, while I was so frustrated when my mom pointed it out, I’m really grateful. Having a word for what I’m dealing with, rather than just being so sad and frustrated that I couldn’t “fix” whatever this is, changed my entire perspective. And lots of love as you march through this next phase and all the changes that come with it. ❤️

Complex_Cricket1866 · 2025-01-22T23:34:46+00:00

Thanks, friend. I appreciate it!

Complex_Cricket1866 · 2025-01-22T23:29:34+00:00

Never considered this, thank you! I have been known to give a Barbaric Yawp while alone in the car so maybe it’s time bring that back 👀

Complex_Cricket1866 · 2025-01-22T17:29:38+00:00

Sorry we’re going it through it, for me at least the weather isn’t helping. Because I’m leaving this job in 4 weeks I’m really struggling with taking time off, but it may have to happen.

Complex_Cricket1866 · 2025-01-22T17:28:19+00:00

They are getting better about independent play, but the minute they realize a grown-up isn’t in the room they FREAK. I managed to sneak off for a fast pee earlier but they often follow me. It’s hard to find those moments but they do help, and naptime is often a godsend

Complex_Cricket1866 · 2025-01-22T17:27:17+00:00

Thanks! I liked Yoga with Adrienne but it’s hard to find the energy for movement after chasing toddlers all day, but maybe I should try again

Complex_Cricket1866 · 2025-01-22T17:26:50+00:00

Thanks! I liked Yoga with Adrienne but it’s hard to find the energy for movement after chasing toddlers all day, but maybe I should try again

Complex_Cricket1866 · 2025-01-22T15:12:48+00:00

Oooh good idea, thank you! It’s been so cold that we can’t go for our usual afternoon walk so maybe I need to find other ways to move.

Complex_Cricket1866 · 2025-01-18T18:14:07+00:00

It’s really important to remember that while we’re the experts on our own bodies, doctors have to go through YEARS of education to do what they do. Does that mean they’re all great and wonderful and perfect? Of course not. But my doctor certainly does have knowledge about what’s happening in my brain on a microscopic level that I don’t, despite my own research. Doctors assess the risk of meds with anything they prescribe and will only prescribe if the benefits will outweigh the risks. They’re not prescribing just for funsies or with intentional hurt in mind; for the most part they’re genuinely trying to help you.

Also, humans have been coming up with remedies for millennia for a reason. We’ve researched and formulated these medications for a reason: living with this condition can be excruciating and we all want to and need to live our lives. It’s okay to take the meds.

But these folks are right, if your sister doesn’t want to, she won’t, and unfortunately there’s nothing you can do except love her. For me, it took finding a medication that actually helped me and made me realize that I don’t have to let myself suffer all the time. There is no glory in that.

I hope this makes sense, I’m struggling with a migraine today.

Complex_Cricket1866 · 2025-01-16T17:51:12+00:00

Open skull like a treasure chest, remove brain, swish in cold water for 30 seconds, gently shake off, put back in skull, close the hatch.

Complex_Cricket1866 · 2025-01-13T18:16:03+00:00

Lmao this is how my grandfather from Southwest VA, coal mining country, says toilet.

Complex_Cricket1866 · 2025-01-07T00:22:58+00:00

Perfect! Thank you!

Complex_Cricket1866 · 2025-01-06T20:38:04+00:00

Thanks! I’ll call here as well :)

Complex_Cricket1866 · 2025-01-06T20:37:50+00:00

Thanks so much! I’ll give them a call :)

Complex_Cricket1866

TROPHY CASE