On #InternationalDayOfPersonsWithDisabilities, let’s remember that not all disabilities are visible.

While prosthetics and wheelchairs may be noticeable, there are many disabilities that remain unseen—heavy burdens of stress, anxiety, isolation, and stigma that countless people face every day.

Mental health challenges are just as valid and need the same support and understanding as any physical disability.

When reading the articles from Migraine Buddy, I came across one about how sunglasses may help photophobia. My photophobia was so severe that I had to wear sunglasses all the time even while indoors when I had started experiencing them.

The article was about a type of glasses called FL-41. Literally rose-colored glasses.

This was the article:

I decided to give it a try and found a pair of glasses that go over my prescription.

At the time I had to use black-out curtains in my room, with minimal lighting at all times. Essentially making it a cave so as to not have any light aggravate my eyes. I was only able to be out in any kind of light for 10-20 minutes tops.

Then I went out of my room and did the dishes. I went and did laundry, brushed the pets, and then listened to my favorite podcast.

And I was able to do the unthinkable- I was able to watch a tv show on the tv screen.

And then I noticed how long it had been.

Two hours.

My new length I could stay out in light had extended from 10-20 minutes, to 2-6 hours.

I now have a pair that also doubles as sunglasses. I wear them more than the previous pair now, but I still have the old pair in case the sunglasses are too dark.

The one thing that has helped me the most with doctors has helped many people suffering with migraines- an app I use called Migraine Buddy.

It tracks my migraines for me and is very useful for my neurologist. I can quickly make reports about my migraine, even while they’re happening! I can document triggers, warnings, when, where, and how long my migraines last. I found out about triggers that I didn’t know about thanks to this app.

For me, the most important feature is it publishes works about migraines that have helped me immensely.

Thanks to Migraine Buddy I came across articles that have not only educated me, but helped me find one of the greatest tools I have against migraines.

This is what the app looks like:

I am the migraine hater and I despise all migraines I find.

I have been afflicted with severe migraines since September of 2023. Ever since then I have been looking for the migraine medication that could help me one day.

On this blog I will be chronicling what has helped me, what I will try next, and what to look out for if you are doing the same.

I will be using this blog as advice and help as well as writing out my journey.

"Others with invisible disabilities have told me stories of times they've chosen not to seek help for symptoms like debilitating pain after feeling dismissed the last time they sought support."