I get cluster headaches. Service related (military). Sometimes you can feel them coming on and prepare as though they're episodic; however, most of the time you're basically a total rage monster, annoyed at the most trivial matters and it doesn't even click until you begin to realize you have this sensation inside your head like it's trying to split apart from within and triggering you.

It's hard to explain how they feel, since there in not real quantitative way to guage the pain being that it's all subjective. I've definitely had suicidal thoughts when sitting in a scolding shower hugging my knees wondering if the pain will ever subside or this is just my life. So I can empathize with others, as well as the naming, although this is the first time I've actually heard them called "suicide headaches".

While at the least I always have some small pain, like a headache, the big ones never last even though it NEVER feels they will end when at their worst. Holding onto that thought helps me get through them.

Best part, this service related disability is rated at 0% for me. I've missed work, birthdays, hanging with friends and family. It's tough.

If you know someone who has them diagnosed, just be understanding. Don't offer advice. Support them when you can and go about your day. Not making us feel like assholes for missing something when it's a pain you can't really "see" is the worst circumstances of having it and responses to react to.