Tension Headaches

[Dandannydandan]

Hi guys!

Does anyone else suffer with tension headaches?

I've been suffering with them literally 24 hours a day for the last 18 months or so.

I didn't know what it was until I went to the doctor and he diagnosed that they were tension headaches, apparently brought on by depression and a serotonin imbalance.

I'm finding it really debilitating and have no idea how to get rid of them.

Has anyone else had them, and if so how do did you manage or get rid of them.

Thanks

Dan

[MsPurple]

Hi Dan

When I was suffering from from anxiety and depression and not in a good state, I got a lot of headaches especially tension headaches. It is normal to suffer physical symptoms when suffering from depression. It can be a viscious cycle, being depressed (or stressed or anxious) so you get headaches, then it causes more stress which causes more depression which causes more headaches. It can be very frustrating. But dealing with the depression/anxiety head on really helps. For me I got supported through headspace which included a GP, psychiatrist and a mental health nurse which really helped me. I was put on medication (not necessary for every person with depression will need medication but for me we decided it would be best) and I got counselling as well which helped me understand my condition and develop strategies to deal with it. It does get better of time. But it is a thing that will take time. My mental health nurse suggested I did deep breathing exercises and meditation to help with my anxiety and racing mind (you can use an app on your phone). It also helped me deal with my tension headaches because it distracted me. I also found heat packs helped as well. Distraction also helped me when I was stressed.

Just letting you know you are not alone and it will get better as you move through your journey to good mental health

[Sighhh]

Hi Dan,

I know this story all too well​. I have had the same problem (tension headache 24hrs a day, 7 days a week) for nearly 5.5 years. I wish I could tell you I have found something that makes the pain magically disappear but so far, no success.

I definitely notice that my headaches are worse and I get more frequent flare ups when I am stressed and not getting enough sleep. I have found that enough sleep for me is no less than 8 hours a night and preferably 9. Also if I carry a heavy backpack or spend a lot of time hunched over a desk the tension in my shoulders worsens my headache.

As I say, keeping on top of these things has minimised the severity of my condition but I am also keen to know if anyone has a miracle cure 😉

As MsPurple said, you're not alone!

[Dandannydandan]

Hi Ms Purple.

Thanks for the advice, it's comforting to hear im not the only one who gets them. I'll definately try the heat packs and perhaps the medication down the line.

I'm already seeing a pyschologist who's going through CBT but it doesn't seem to be working.

Dan

[Dandannydandan]

Hi Sighhh,

I'm sorry to hear you're going through exactly the same, but it's comforting to know.

I generally struggle to get more than 6 hours (broken) sleep just because my body clock is set for work, it doesn't seem to matter if I go to bed 2 hours earlier or later.

I really struggle to keep on top of things and it feels like my mind is constantly on edge. Even tiny things like a queue at a shop or someone talking too loud sets me off.

Dan

[Scrapper]

Hi I was getting tension headaches all the time. I thought they were coming from my shoulder and neck as was going to physio until one day he said it is not coming from your neck. I think that you are suffering from tension headaches. So I ended up going to the drs and this was how I was diagnosed with depression and anxiety as I was getting tension headaches. My dr then sent me to new access for 6 sessions. Once I finished those sessions I then went to see a psychologist which did help. But with studying full time and working casually it still didn't work so I went on meds and started to see a new psychologist an my tension headaches started to go. It will take time but they do go with the help from your gp and psychologist.

[Dandannydandan]

Hi Scrapper!

So good to hear your tension headaches are starting to go!

What was the difference between your psychologists that helped?

Im seeing one at the moment and although it's only been 5 visits I don't feel it helping, and I'm not sure if I should change.