Thanks so much for sharing your story. I’m sure it will help and educate a lot of people. Good luck with your career and keep us posted on your progress.

Lindsey

I have suffered from chronic migraines since the fifth grade (I am now 22). Their intensity grew with age and I was soon missing weeks of school at a time. I was forced to quit extra-curricular activities in order to compensate for the time I needed to recover from each migraine attack. The biggest issue that I have faced has been that lack of understanding. Since people can’t physically see migraines, it can be difficult for non-sufferers to understand the impact they have on your body and general ability to function. I needed support from my teachers and school disability staff, however, the misconception that a migraine is just a headache made it nearly impossible for the general public understand the severity of what I was dealing with.

After going through high school and college with professors and staff who didn’t believe my inability to do work while in the midst of a migraine (even with years of medical documentation), the idea of looking for an employer who would be willing to hire a girl with an invisible illness was daunting.

My confidence definitely took a hit, but I have come to terms with the fact that not everyone will acknowledge migraines as a chronic condition. I know what I am capable of, and I know that if I believe in my abilities, that will come across to potential employers. That’s not to say that I don’t get discouraged, but I do recognize that an illness or ailment doesn’t define you.