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| When Kristin Chenoweth, star of “Wicked,” “Glee,” and “You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown,” was 25 years old, she had her first migraine attack while performing with the Virginia Symphony. She found a way to perform until the end, but as soon as the curtain dropped, she collapsed. The doctor who attended to her said she was having a migraine attack. |
| Below, the Tony- and Emmy-winning actress opens up about what it’s like to live with chronic migraine –– from managing triggers to navigating showtime and beyond. |
| This interview has been edited for length and clarity. |
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How has living with an invisible illness like migraine been challenging for you?
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| A: Chronic migraine is a disease that can’t always be seen, but it’s always there. I think that’s one of the biggest struggles for me –– educating people that chronic migraine is more than just a headache. It’s serious. |
| There have been times when I’ve been on the floor, unable to move, vomiting, and unable to go out on stage. Over the years, I’ve tried to power through, but sometimes you need to take time for yourself. I don’t want this next generation to feel like they always need to “tough it out” either. |
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When you know you’re walking into a situation where you won’t be able to avoid migraine triggers, are there things you’ve found you can do to lessen the impact? How do you prepare for situations when you know you’re risking a migraine attack? |
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| A: In addition to Botox treatment, I’ve learned my triggers are stress, flying, working too many hours, and diet. I do try to manage them as much as possible, of course. I’m on a plane a couple times a week these days! Bright lights can also be a trigger, so it may look funny, but I wear sunglasses everywhere. Additionally, I avoid alcohol and eat a low salt diet. |
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| Q: |
How do you power through a migraine when the show, literally, must go on? |
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| A: There have been times when I wasn’t able to do what I love because of a migraine attack. As a performer, I’m always thinking about that little girl in the audience who is in New York City to see a Broadway show for the first time. She deserves my 100%, and I feel guilty if I’m not able to give that to her. |
| I was struggling with a migraine attack the night I won my first Emmy Award. I couldn’t even celebrate because taking pictures and socializing was just too much. The last thing you want to do is let down your friends, family, and colleagues, but for many people with chronic migraine, that’s just the reality. |
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Looking back on your career and your journey, has living with a chronic illness taught you anything about navigating work and life in general?
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| A: It has reinforced the impact of compassion for people around you. For me, chronic migraine underscores that you just don’t know what other people are going through.
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| Q: |
What advice would you give to someone newly diagnosed with chronic migraine? |
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| A: It’s so important to find a doctor with whom you can be open and honest –– someone who listens carefully to your needs and is willing to work with you to find a treatment plan. I want people living with chronic migraine to know: You are not alone. |
| To learn more about migraine and how to find support, check out our resource center here. Or you can sign up for Healthline’s Migraine newsletter with one click by hitting the button below! |
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