Communicate
One practical step to overcome your obstacles on the job is to clearly communicate with your employer about your migraines. Do not try to hide the fact that you get migraines. Calling in sick, showing up in sunglasses and taking medication in front of others could be misinterpreted by your co-workers. It is far better for them to know the truth.
Explain the overall condition you have, back it up with the formal diagnosis in writing from your physician, and discuss how often you tend to get attacks. Some people get migraines often, while others only a few times per year. Be honest about what frequency you experience.
Request Accommodations
If your migraines are severe, your condition may amount to a disability that can be supported by your doctor, in writing, and you could try to request reasonable adjustments to your working environment and daily schedule to reduce the impact of migraines on your ability to complete your work.
This could mean anything from changes in the harsh lighting at work that triggers or exacerbates migraines, to allowing additional breaks or more flexible working hours. In some cases employers might allow suffers to work from home during and after a severe attack.
These are just some suggestions of things to try to negotiate for with your employer. Make it clear you will be able to keep up with your work responsibilities better with just a few adjustments made to your work environment and flexibility in your schedule or location.
Explain Triggers
Emphasize that stress is not the cause of your migraine. If an employer thinks that stress is a trigger, it really limits you as an employee. Explain to your boss that migraines, like epilepsy, are a neurological condition that results in episodic attacks, which can be triggered by things like air pressure, weather patterns, and certain foods, additives and preservatives. Your doctor should be able to back up this statement for you in writing.
Consider a More Flexible Job
You may find that the typical 9 to 5 job is not something you can continue doing if your migraines are severe and frequent. You may require something more flexible or that has a less structured environment.
The ideal is to find a job that allows you to be productive despite your migraines. Look for something with flexible hours or that would allow you to work around your migraine attacks.
Next Page: preventative measures that you can take.
