What should you know about migraines and depression?

Living with recurring migraine may lead to missed plans, worry about the next attack and less activity. Depression can bring low mood, loss of interest, fatigue, irritability, difficulty concentrating or changes in sleep. Insomnia, daytime sleepiness and difficulty sleeping can affect migraine management as well.

These symptoms do not prove that one condition caused the other. A clinician considers timing, severity, medicines, sleep, stress and other health factors. Treating mood symptoms is part of whole-person migraine care, not a dismissal of physical pain.

Tell a clinician about headache days, mood changes, sleep, energy and how symptoms affect work or relationships. Keep a shared diary so patterns are visible. Take medicines as prescribed, maintain regular meals and sleep where possible, and use gentle activity within your limits. Psychological therapies, migraine treatment and sleep support may be combined after review.

Do not start, stop or combine medicines without advice, because some treatments can affect mood, sleep or headache symptoms. Involve a trusted person if low mood is making daily tasks difficult.

Seek emergency help for thoughts of suicide or self-harm, immediate danger, confusion, weakness, trouble speaking, fainting, or a sudden severe headache. Arrange prompt medical review for persistent low mood, loss of interest, worsening fatigue, major sleep change, or migraine symptoms that are new or changing. Feeling anxious or marked irritability can also signal that extra support is needed.

Could my sleep or mood be affecting migraine? Which treatment should be addressed first? Are my medicines compatible? What support is available for depression, insomnia or anxiety? How will we monitor progress?