Is It Migraine or Depression? How to Tell the Difference
It can be hard to separate the symptoms of migraine from those of depression. Fatigue, irritability, poor sleep—these are common in both. But knowing the difference matters.
Shared Symptoms, Different Roots
Both migraine and depression can involve:
- Low energy
- Appetite changes
- Difficulty concentrating
- Disrupted sleep
So how do you know what you’re dealing with?
Red Flags for Depression
According to psychologists and headache experts, the two most telling signs of depression are, we screen for both of these with every Haven visit:
- Persistent low mood
- Loss of interest in activities you used to enjoy
This is called "anhedonia," and it often sneaks up on people. You might stop making plans. Stop exercising. Stop reaching out to friends. You might blame the migraine—but sometimes, it’s more than that.
Is It All the Time, or Just During Attacks?
A helpful clue is when you feel this way. If the sadness and disinterest are there every day—even between migraine attacks—it might point to depression.
That’s where tools like the PHQ-2 come in. At Haven, we screen every new patient using this quick two-question test:
- Have you felt down, depressed, or hopeless in the past two weeks?
- Have you lost interest in doing things you usually enjoy?
If either answer is “yes,” your provider may explore further with the PHQ-9.
Why It Matters
When depression is left untreated, migraine often becomes more severe and harder to control. But when you address both, your chances of feeling better—mentally and physically—go way up.
You don’t have to figure this out alone. Start the conversation. There’s help for both.
Disclaimer
This article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. If you experience menstrual migraine attacks or other severe headaches, consult your healthcare provider for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan. To explore treatment options, consider booking an appointment with Haven for expert guidance and personalized care.