Depression & Migraine

Kathleen · Depression & Migraine

My dad is suffers from both depression and migraine. First he was diagnosed with depression some one year back and now he has been diagnosed with migraine. I feel very sad to see my dad in this condition but there is nothing that I can do to help him. The doctor told me to take great care of him and manage his eating since depression patients have unhealthy appetite changes. He has been prescribed elavil. Is someone going through the same situation as dad? What are the precautions that I should take? How to handle the situation? I don’t know what to do. ! Please any help would be most appreciated!

Sonia

I am so sorry for your dad and I hope that he'll be alright. Try to take him to the doctor again so that he can suggest you something to ameliorate your dad 's appetite. It's really great from your part to take care of your dad.

Kaytee576

Hi Kathleen, Sorry I didnt reply before, My sister suffers from Migraines, she is angels-quest and admin on here too, I know she doesnt get on here as often as she would like to due to her bad heads but I am sure she will come on asap and try to help you by sharing her experience with you.

Your Dad is so lucky to have you there for him, I am sure with you by his side he can get through anything! Just be there for him but remember to look after yourself too as you are very important and need to stay well.

I dont really think there is a correct way to tell you to handle the situation, it is a case of taking each day as it comes and dealing with things one step at a time.
There will be times when your dad might want to stay in bed due to his depression or migraines just be patient with him and a good rest will hopefully make him feel brighter. If he has a migraine often it is better just to lie quietly in a darkened room this may help also as his eyes maybe quite sensitive to the light.

Try to encourage him to maybe go for a walk sometimes if his head isn't too bad, the air and countryside will help to lift his spirits, Just to do little things that may help to take his mind off of how he feels.
Would you mind if I asked how old you are? just to get a better idea of the situation.
I am sorry to be of little help, I hope you will both be OK, please remember we are Always here for you anytime you need us xxx

Angels-quest

Hi Kathleen,
So sorry for the delay. Well I suffer very badly with severe migraines, and depression. So I can totally feel for what your Dad is going through, and thank God he has a wonderful daughter there to take care of him, and to worry.

Ok, I dont mean to be rude, but how old is your Dad? Does he drink alcohol at all? As this often sets migraines off. I would really love to get a better picture of it from you, as am unclear of what you are most concerned about/or want to know about...whether it's the migraines, or the depression?If you could tell me in detail of what your fears are, then hopefully I will be able to advise you a lot more, as i'm not 100% clear, and want to answer what you wanted to know, not what you didn't!
If you would rather, you can always pm me if you'd rather not discuss it all on here.

Depression in itself is awful to suffer with, and varies in degrees. How bad is your Dad at the moment? Has he lost all interest in washing, eating,hobbies? Is he sleeping badly, or ok?
Often it takes time for that person to accept they are even depressed, if your Dad has accepted the fact, then you are half way there.

Migraines I have found can alter a persons mood, i think due to the severity of the pain. It can make you tired for days after, or leading up to a migraine attack. Your vision can blurr, or see flashing lights, or what looks like falling rain,Your Dads speech may become slurred, or all his words may come out muddled...as amusing as it sounds to those listening, trust me, it's frustrating & can make you feel rather stupid too! I often find i am more clumsy around an attack, and have noticed I get very thirsty too. I know my mood alters, as i the pain can feel so severe, that you dont know what to do with yourself.
But again, there are different degrees of migraine too, am unsure as to how severe you Dad suffers with them.
Migraines are usually hormone linked, or so they say..or hereditary. Does anyone else suffer in your family?

I haven't heard of those Drugs before, so i shall try & look them up.Currently I am being told the only treatment i can have my migraines, is a weight gaining pill, which i cannot take, because having a back problem, gaining weight would be bad news.. so i have been suffering for the past few years, sometimes day after day for weeks, with no help. So i really do understand what you Dad is going through.
I'd be happy to help all i can, if i can just get a better picture of it all, that would help a great deal.

Thank you for joining & really hope to be of some help.
Hugs,