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Dealing with Mood Swings Caused by Pain

The Alike Team

618d

Getting moody when in pain is inevitable. How do you deal?

118

167

167

Headache

Generalized pain

Migraine

Chronic Generalized pain

Gabapentin

Paracetamol

Ibuprofen

Low Back Pain

Fentanyl

Chest pain

Neck Pain

Abdominal Distention

Oxycodone

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Top reply
    • Jules78

      23d

      Keep to myself

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      Chat
    • Jules78

      23d

      Keep to myself

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      Reply
    • Overcomer

      27d

      I hurts a lot but I have learned to smile during it. Few times I cry. But I can't feel my body around people therefore it's a plus for me

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      Reply
    • Kitty23

      39d

      Journaling for sure, just voicing the injustice I feel re: the pain itself + the healthcare system. Sleeping is great reprieve too, or doing something distracting with my partner.

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    • Flutterbye

      41d

      When I'm in extreme pain I try and stay to myself, unfortunately I can't always do that. I do get snappy or short with people. When I do I apologize for it and let them know my pain levels are up. Then I'll go to my room or I'll put my headphones on and listen to a book on my phone.

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      Reply
    • JXARabbit

      43d

      Self care šŸ’†šŸ½ā€ā™€ļø

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    • Jada2001

      44d

      Absolutely I do but I've gotten better than I used to be ā¤ļøšŸ’ŸšŸ’ŸšŸ’Ÿ

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      Reply
    • MagickalRebel

      52d

      I usually just go to bed, šŸ˜„ sometimes it's not an option so sitting in the bathroom for a little bit helps.

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      Reply
    • hydroepilepic21

      64d

      I dont, I just get more moody

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      Reply
    • Penpalz183

      66d

      Meds and music...they both help

      1

      Reply
    • LaurenRomero

      73d

      Sleep

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    • sammy1988

      73d

      I read the bible and pray..šŸ’•

      1

      Reply
    • wheely_kismet

      73d

      I will go to sleep if I can

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    • Overcomer

      216d

      Redirect my mind away from the pain on to something else. Sometimes it helps

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    • Aiya_the_ill

      342d

      I leave any social situation, focus on nothing but my breath, and remind myself that pain is an ever changing sensation. Just take one more breath.

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    • bretange

      463d

      I try to talk through it with trusted love ones that get me. My husband sometimes goes above and beyond to help with pain and moodiness and other times just gives me space or tolerates me šŸ˜‚ they are all great compared to a previous ex who would explode at me and make it so much worse. I try to tell people something along the lines "I'm sorry I'm so moody. I just (am in pain, am upset, etc.) and it's hard to hold it all in. It's not at you and I appreciate you being patient with me."

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    • teiovex

      463d

      I go on walks/drives, I make art (mostly writing,) listen to music, organize

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    • man_of_the_moon

      469d

      Draw and listen to songs that motivate me

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      • Bre19

        63d

        @man_of_the_moon that's wonderful

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    • Makayla1228

      470d

      i normally listen to music if im not being needed by anyone

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    • Keisha

      470d

      i tell whoever iā€™m with that i need time alone, usually curled up in my blankets. when the pain gets too much i start to shake and cry

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      • Bre19

        52d

        @Keisha that sounds difficult to deal with I'm so sorry

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    • Cara55

      470d

      I cry when I'm in serious pain

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    • Redvelninja

      475d

      My pain is more emotional than physical. For me, it's painful to know that not everybody doesn't have the skills or emotional maturity or high enough eq to understand that communication requires open lines in order for understanding, compassion and empathy to happen.

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    • Red914

      497d

      I have a great support in my husband, so I just explain to him that I'm pain-gry and I need to be alone. I usually go upstairs and lay down. If he needs to run interference with others, he does that too.

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    • Kadair

      497d

      I try not to get irritable with people or family when it pain. I am usually always in pain but I have learned to not be irritable when the pain is minimal. Sometimes I do get snappy when in a lot of pain. Yesterday I had a migraine so bad but I had things that I had to do for the family. So I had to go on like nothing was happening even though my head and neck were in so much pain. I guess sometimes I have to ignore it in a way, but not really. Kinda hard to explain.šŸ˜•

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    • Peechii

      497d

      I let it be very known im in pain and sometimes if i know im going to be really irritable (even more than usual pain irritability) i appologise in advance, but i try and distance myself and do whatever i can quietly and by myself at a pace i can manage and allow myself breaks when i need to

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    • Rory_

      498d

      I try to voice that Iā€™m in a lot of pain instead of allowing myself to sit and watch it all build up. But when the physical pain just keeps mounting up, it then triggers other disorders such as my BPD.

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    • sorenachy

      498d

      I just let others know I'm in a lot of pain. My coworkers tend to help me out a lot more because they know I'm trying

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      • Bre19

        63d

        @sorenachy that's good!

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    • MakoLita

      498d

      I tell my husband and friends "I'm struggling with my emotions because of my pain, please be aware of that when I react." I also listen to music. Usually Taylor Swift or Panic at the Disco.

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    • KratomEater

      501d

      Anything natural that is anti inflammatory helps. Pineapple, turmeric and many more. Foods that cause inflammation: Try to avoid or limit these foods as much as possible: refined carbohydrates, such as white bread and pastries French fries and other fried foods soda and other sugar-sweetened beverages red meat (burgers, steaks) and processed meat (hot dogs, sausage) margarine, shortening, and lard. Here is one of my sources cited šŸ‘‰šŸ½ https://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/foods-that-fight-inflammation

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    • Njade

      501d

      If alone, i will cry my eyes out til i cant cry anymore. Crying just helps even if its not always that painful. And if i can sleep i will 100% sleep to avoid the pain. And if i cant do either of those i will try and play some games to distract me.

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    • yumzy199725

      506d

      I listen to music until I feel calm šŸ‘‚šŸŽ¶šŸ˜Œ

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    • lolly23

      507d

      I find pain relief meditations really helpful. Even when I was waiting to hear back from the xray of my broken hand the pain reduced. It wont necessarily completly go away but at least lessened I can cope.

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      • Bre19

        52d

        @lolly23 that's good

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    • SalineTurnip

      510d

      For the most part, I only deal with period pain. I have an app to remind me when it's coming so I can plan. I make sure I have plenty of Aleve and my heating pad is within reach. And I mostly just stay to myself. I don't need anyone's foolishness making my mood worse.

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      • Bre19

        40d

        @SalineTurnip good idea

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    • Bre19

      556d

      I do Meditation

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    • tiredkrank

      563d

      Yessss I am that way myself šŸ™šŸ¤—

      0

      Reply
    • Dad.of.Many

      566d

      Had the "moody's" so long I just ride it out and my family knows the signs and walk on eggshells around me. Lol

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    • CozyVibez

      566d

      I don't think I do lol. I'm just moody and not the nicest person hehehe. I might take myself aside for a bit but otherwise oh well!!!

      0

      Reply
    • Dad.of.Many

      579d

      I isolate. Probably not the best thing to do but it keeps me from hurting others feelings during that time.

      0

      Reply
    • BraeburnGirl

      579d

      I nap, or just read, or even just listen to quiet music in the dark. Sometimes I have a good hard cry, though that usually gives me a headache. Iā€™ll FaceTime with a friend if I can, or take a bath with pain relieving magnesium salts.

      0

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    • ZumaZyanya

      579d

      Lots of exercise

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    • Faithe

      580d

      Sleep

      0

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    • Aquapalooza

      580d

      I take Acetaminophen (I get frequent headaches, especially when it's my time of the month) and sleep.

      0

      Reply
    • Vannah349

      580d

      Iā€™m still trying to figure that out..

      0

      Reply
    • sabbymer

      580d

      I've been able to separate 'oh this is my condition' so I don't take it out on people. So those around me know I'm feeling it but its not directed at any of them. I have a couple people around me that do the same. Sometimes it's 3 adhd humans vibing which can be very cute!

      0

      Reply
    • Exhausted_Aerialist

      580d

      Comedy and communicating that youā€™re in pain to the people you care about

      0

      Reply
      • Bre19

        73d

        @Exhausted_Aerialist so true

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        Reply
    • Croccin

      580d

      I make jokes like ā€œIā€™m collecting illnesses like PokĆ©monā€

      0

      Reply
    • lazydaisy

      591d

      Honestly, dark humor has helped me a ton throughout my life LOL

      1

      Reply
      • Bre19

        41d

        @lazydaisy felt

        0

        Reply
      • Morticia013

        581d

        @lazydaisy dark humor is my first language

        0

        Reply
    • Boo2004

      594d

      Look for apologies all the time and hope people can understand.

      0

      Reply
    • melanchollie

      595d

      i try to just be honest about why im a little standoffish and hope people understand

      0

      Reply
    • Dad.of.Many

      595d

      I tend to close in on myself. I have always loved thunderstorms, but now the pressure fronts that bring them in cause such intense pain that I can't enjoy the raw power anymore. That is one of my many pain issues.

      0

      Reply
    • Jjam44

      595d

      What kind of pain are we talking about? I recently had to stop taking clonezapam because I'm addicted to it and run out a few days early which is horrible on my body. Last month I woke up in the hospital after having a heart attack. I've spent the last 6 weeks trying to move past horrible pain in my gut because my muscles won't relax. I'm beginning to think that the pain will never get better. My Dr has me on Gabapentin that changes the pain a bit but I am pretty worthless right now. Do you all know about that kind of pain? Any suggestions on ways to deal with it?

      0

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    • MovaMoody

      596d

      My misery hates company, my goto move is to isolate, isolate & isolate again! In the past it would be in a very unhealthy way but now Iā€™ve managed to find peace & comfort in my solace, so now I isolate so that I can really tune into myself to better manage my emotions, recoup & try again ! ā¤ļø

      0

      Reply
    • Nikki5

      596d

      I usually just get away from everybody take some medicine like ibuprofen and just sit there with my hand on my head until it goes away, sometimes it's šŸ’© cause you can't ignore pain so I just šŸ™ and šŸ™ and then it goes away šŸ˜Š afterwards

      0

      Reply
    • Bthatonebish

      598d

      šŸ™ I'm the same way. But I'm in pain all the time. It NEVER goes away fully but when it gets REAL bad I get mean and bitchy.

      0

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    • AmaryllisRose

      598d

      I can relate with that- my husband has really bad pain and so intimacy is almost non-existent.

      0

      Reply
    • Belontine

      598d

      I try to tackle it from the root via pain management but sometimes I just gotta isolate cuz I already have a personality disorder so when Iā€™m getting a fibromyalgia attack on top of that Iā€™m absolutely unbearable šŸ˜­šŸ˜­

      0

      Reply
      • Bre19

        39d

        @Belontine I'm so sorry

        0

        Reply
    • FTW

      598d

      Marijuana has helped more than any meds i have tried in the last 20 years.

      1

      Reply
    • CozyVibez

      599d

      Music! My playlists boost my mood within a few minutes!

      1

      Reply
    • jess26

      601d

      I don't know I'm too moody people tell me to breath though it

      1

      Reply
    • Pfeiffer

      601d

      Comedy specials!

      0

      Reply
    • Gypsy_Soul

      601d

      Oh, and ibuprofen & anti inflammatory supplements daily.

      0

      Reply
    • Gypsy_Soul

      601d

      Iā€™ve had chronic pain for a looooong time. At one point my pain management doctor had me on Oxycodone AND a Fentanyl patch šŸ™ˆ. As much as they really helped me function while in severe pain, I knew I had to get myself off of themā€¦so now I do my best to get myself as relaxed as possible, sometimes I have to take a prescribed muscle relaxant if Iā€™m having bad back spasms, I use Voltaren gel, ice/heat, take care of & advocate for myself, I also ask for help when I need it-I got over my fear of doing that & itā€™s made a big difference. I also definitely try to sleep off the pain as well.

      0

      Reply
    • Denotchka

      603d

      I try to wait until the pain is gone.

      0

      Reply
    • Katharina

      603d

      Quite place, little walks, drink water, happy/healthy food, movies and shows, and puppy snuggles

      0

      Reply
    • wild.crow

      604d

      I usually sleep or just put on a favorite movie or feel good movie to try to get myself in a better mood. i also try to isolate so i donā€™t lash out at my family

      3

      Reply
    • thomarl

      604d

      i usually sleep or read, maybe something to play to get my mind off of it

      1

      Reply
    • NiiTA

      605d

      Go on Tiktok or listen to music to distract me šŸ¤·šŸ¾ā€ā™€ļø

      1

      Reply
    • Tink3rbelle

      605d

      I've recently hurt my shoulder. I cycled through ice and heat. I listened to music while reading. My husband fixed my favorite tea while I snuggled my kitties.

      1

      Reply
    • Kiojr

      605d

      I ice my pain. Watch relaxing videos something very interesting and boring at the same time so I can a fall asleep. Or I listen to music at the same as this. I usually donā€™t try to ignore it so I can ā€œfixā€ it but I do anything to stay away from that and promote relaxation.

      2

      Reply
    • TrippyDangerousMe

      605d

      I play video games amd try to keep to myself.

      2

      Reply
      • Bre19

        53d

        @TrippyDangerousMe me too

        0

        Reply
    • PlaslyMeds

      606d

      I donā€™t do much of anything

      1

      Reply
    • crys

      606d

      Kratom. I depend on it for a lot. I'm trying to get over the stigma associated with it.. still. šŸ˜‘

      1

      Reply
    • ShonE

      606d

      Oh man...you say sleep I wish I knew what that was. It seems it's not there anymore and I'm not good not dealing with that. When 4 or 5 days roll around and you've only had maybe an hour my brain doesn't function well.

      2

      Reply
      • Gypsy_Soul

        601d

        @ShonE Ohhhh, Iā€™m sorry, thatā€™s brutal šŸ˜ž I canā€™t function w/o at least 6-7 hours of sleep each nightā€¦if I donā€™t get enough my brain is mush, I have no patience, Iā€™m irritable & feel like Iā€™m getting sick. I really hope you can find a good way to get some rest šŸ˜“

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    • RogueDream

      608d

      I cope with humor so I just try to make others laugh and have fun then eventually I sometimes feel some sort of relief but sometimes I donā€™t as well and need to find something to get my mind off of things

      1

      Reply
    • Ink789

      611d

      I joke, alot

      1

      Reply
    • bouncyroo11

      611d

      YouTube or show with a something to resolve the pain whatever that needs and patience

      1

      Reply
    • MatchaBunn

      612d

      I tell people around me that my tone is an indicator of my pain, and that itā€™s not personal. I grew up around a lot of people that would snap at you if you sounded a certain way, but Iā€™m trying to unwork that by making it clear to those around me.

      2

      Reply
    • dimemanda

      612d

      I put up a wall

      1

      Reply
    • TheRealPanda

      612d

      I literally just lash out and have an attitude with anyone who isnt helping me. I dont try thats just my response

      0

      Reply
    • TexAss

      612d

      I find someone who feels the same way and wants to get and give constant massages

      2

      Reply
    • YM

      613d

      I doodle with my guitar. I suck at making music but when I do write a riff that actually sounds nice Iā€™m really proud of myself.

      1

      Reply
    • Tomatoface

      614d

      I yell at people and throw things tbh

      2

      Reply
      • TexAss

        612d

        @Tomatoface I distract myself with other people's problems and try to help them. Test and educate yourself on nickel and baking soda allergy and see if your stomach pains get better after the results.

        1

        Reply
        • TexAss

          612d

          @TexAss If you have additionally any kind of chronic skin ailments, even as minimal as dandruff or acne, cutting out all cinnamon from my diet helped me.

          1

          Reply
    • spookyspoonie

      614d

      Im like the guy from SpongeBob. "Chocolate??? CHOCOLATE?????"

      3

      Reply
      • Bre19

        51d

        @spookyspoonie yesss

        0

        Reply
    • Fully.Healed

      614d

      I spent 20 years of my life in pain. We choose how we respond to pain. My goal was to always make people around me feel appreciated and better about themselves. So when I was in pain most of the time I softened my voice and spoke kindly, because life isn't about me and my pain. Life is about how we treat others. I pray you create the peace and joy you deserve.

      1

      Reply
      • TexAss

        614d

        @Fully.Healed I've spent the majority of my life in some kind of pain. Being soft spoken to me is more like being nonverbal. I kindly let everyone know around me that today, or that moment, is a very painful moment. If they continue to come at me with things they want me to do, or be rough around me and disturb my peace, then they start just getting a look. A look that means business and that business is whooping ass if they make me get up after I told them how I'm feeling. It's called respect. You don't get that by tip toeing around about your problems.

        5

        Reply
        • Tomatoface

          614d

          @TexAss Right??

          1

          Reply
    • Deb3

      614d

      When Iā€™m in the most pain, I just get very quiet. My husband has learned to read me; he can take one look at me and know Iā€™m having a particularly bad day. With migraines, they usually last a couple of weeks and I have to retire to my darkened and quiet bedroom. My overall pain is so severe every day that we have separate bedrooms so I can get more comfortable. Out the door went intimacy, which we both hate, but the pain is just too severe.

      3

      Reply
      • Jobetta

        565d

        @Deb3 wow to that I can relate!

        0

        Reply
    • Barrfamily

      614d

      Me too

      0

      Reply
    • tatertot731

      614d

      i try to do a small hobby while laying down and watching tv. like crocheting

      3

      Reply
      • Bre19

        51d

        @tatertot731 yesss same

        0

        Reply
    • spiritkitty

      614d

      New and can relate to you all. That's why I'm here. Have to find a way to hide it.

      0

      Reply
      • Vidya

        598d

        @spiritkitty why hide it?

        0

        Reply
    • Student_girl

      615d

      I hide alone in my dorm

      3

      Reply
    • Raesfurdaze

      615d

      I always tend to get moody when I'm having a high pain day, I find the best thing I can do is just apologize to those around me as often as I can and ask that they try and understand.

      5

      Reply
      • PolkaDot77

        598d

        @Raesfurdaze I do this too. If I hide away everything just feels worse. I also bring it up with them on low pain days so we can have a better discussion on it and have learned that they're all super understanding

        0

        Reply
    • VolcanoMama

      616d

      My husband suffers from a lot of joint pain and arthritis and it definitely makes him irritable. I feel like I can't help him or soothe him. Any suggestions?

      7

      Reply
      • Dcor8

        614d

        @VolcanoMama I do also rub on voltaren gel works for me even bone on bone in neck

        4

        Reply
        • Sissy2

          497d

          @Dcor8 volterin gel helps my finger bones!

          0

          Reply
        • smkeaton

          611d

          @Dcor8 @VolcanoMama I second the Voltaren gel! Works great for inflammation.

          1

          Reply
    • DCGuy

      616d

      Has anyone tried to work with a pain coach?

      2

      Reply
      • Bthatonebish

        598d

        @DCGuy yeah what's a pain coach? What do they do? And where do I find one?? šŸ¤—

        0

        Reply
      • Vidya

        598d

        @DCGuy what is a an coach?

        0

        Reply
    • Mama.Raspberry

      616d

      I take a bath with Lavender. There's a brand called Dr. Teal's. They use real essential oils and it helps. They have many different products.

      5

      Reply
      • Skyfire

        616d

        @Mama.Raspberry Dr. Teal's is the best!

        1

        Reply
        • Jeff54

          601d

          @Skyfire tea tree oil works wonders

          0

          Reply
    • RoseJay

      617d

      Hi

      0

      Reply
    • Ezra02

      617d

      I play some soft orchestral music and typically lay down or try to meditate if Iā€™m able. I try to take deep breaths and do square breathing

      2

      Reply
      • Quirky4You

        507d

        @Ezra02 yes, what is square breathing?

        0

        Reply
        • velvetgoldmine

          498d

          @Quirky4You if they are talking about box breathing itā€™s when you breath in for 5 seconds, hold for 5, breath out for 5, hold for 5 and then repeat - itā€™s helpful

          0

          Reply
      • Megsandpegs

        596d

        @Ezra02 square breathing?

        0

        Reply
    • lilchiquita

      617d

      I blackout my bed room, make it cold and lay under my blankets with my eyes closed. Usually 2 hours later I wake up on my own feeling so much better.

      16

      Reply
    • AngellMwi

      618d

      When I'm still able to be upright and moving, I do or say things to try and brighten the mood for others. This way I'm focusing on positive outcomes. When pain goes beyond that, I say I'm out of spoons, and put movies on in my room. I hide. I don't want to take it out on anyone.

      15

      Reply
    • d1sc0haus

      618d

      Whenever my migraines get to a point where I can no longer mask the pain, I will usually excuse myself from other people if I can. I'll go to my room if I'm at home or try to find a quiet area if I'm out somewhere.

      14

      Reply
      • Bre19

        343d

        @d1sc0haus that is a good idea I've gotten bad migraines to the point where the light makes it worse

        0

        Reply

ā˜ This content is generated by our users and it is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Please consult with your physician before making any medical decision

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