In-person and online migraine support groups can offer emotional and practical support. You may need to try several before finding one that’s the right fit for you.

Migraine, a neurological condition that can cause intense headaches and a range of other symptoms, affects more than 1 billion people worldwide. Even though it’s a common condition, living with migraine can make many people feel lonely, which can make symptoms even worse.

Tapping into a community of people with this condition can help you feel less alone. Joining a migraine support group and bolstering your current network can help you feel more understood.

Read on to learn how to find a migraine support group and other ways to build a solid support system.

Migraine support groups come in various formats. Some are online communities you can participate in on your own schedule, while others host weekly in-person or online meetings.

Here are some migraine support groups to consider:

  • Miles for Migraine, a nonprofit organization that aims to improve the lives of people with migraine and headache disorders, offers virtual support programs.
  • Pain Connection, a program from the U.S. Pain Foundation, offers weekly support sessions via video conference.
  • The Vestibular Disorders Support Community is an online forum for people with disorders like vestibular migraine to talk about their symptoms, treatments, and other related topics.
  • Healthline’s Bezzy Migraine offers an online safe space for community, peer and expert guidance, and support.

Social media is another powerful way to connect with other people with migraine.

Ashley Ellis, PharmD, clinical director of Compwell, recommends searching for #migraine or #migraineAwareness on social media platforms to join discussions about the condition. Dr. Ellis specializes in preventive care for people with chronic conditions, including migraine.

You also might look into these migraine support groups on Facebook:

To get the most benefits from a migraine support group, it’s important to find a community that feels like the right fit for you.

Start by looking for messages or missions that resonate with you. Then, see if they have administrators who encourage respectful dialogue between members and are committed to making sure it’s a safe, supportive space.

Try each migraine support group for several weeks and pay attention to how you feel as you’re reading and posting. Here are some questions to ask yourself as you explore communities:

  • Do you feel safe and comfortable in this space?
  • Do you feel validated and understood?
  • Does the group uplift and inspire you?
  • Do discussions in this community make you feel demoralized and stressed out?

Keep in mind that every group has a different tone, style, and set of rules, so you might need to try a few before you find one that suits your needs.

Joining a migraine support group can be helpful in many ways. For starters, “having somebody just ‘get it’ without having to start your story from scratch is invaluable,” said Ellis.

A migraine support group can provide a judgment-free space for people to share frustrations and challenges. Rather than dismissing or diminishing how the condition affects your life, a support group can help validate your symptoms, feelings, and concerns.

The benefits of joining a migraine support group aren’t just emotional, though. Discussions within these groups can help you learn about the latest treatments and tips for reducing migraine attacks. Plus, if you’re looking for a new doctor, you can ask your migraine support group for recommendations.

A formal group isn’t the only place to find support. Your care team can be a wealth of resources for coping with symptoms and understanding treatment options. You may also be able to lean on your family and friends for additional support.

Here are some tips on building a support network to help you manage migraine episodes:

Share what you’re going through

Migraine can be a misunderstood condition. Talking about how you’re feeling and sharing information about migraine can help your loved ones learn about what you’re going through.

Spell out what kind of support you need

Let loved ones know exactly how they can help you, said Ellis. That might mean accompanying you to a doctor’s appointment, watching your kids while you take a hot bath, or simply listening to you vent some frustration.

Practice pacing

To reduce exposure to migraine triggers, you might be inclined to avoid social activities and spend more time at home. However, this can lead to loneliness and isolation, so it’s important to find ways to stay connected with others.

You may want to consider trying an activity management technique called pacing. It usually involves planning activities in advance to align with your energy levels and taking regular breaks to help you avoid overdoing it.

Pacing can help you enjoy time with friends and loved ones while minimizing triggers.

Even though migraine affects more than a billion people, living with the condition can feel lonely. You might feel misunderstood by the people around you — even your doctor.

Migraine support groups can help validate what you’re going through. They can also give you the opportunity to learn about treatments, find new ways to manage symptoms, and help you feel part of a community.

Shop around until you find a migraine support group that makes you feel safe, comfortable, and understood.