What Your Migraine Could Be Telling You About Your Mental Health

Migraine isn’t just a headache. It’s a complex neurological condition that affects every part of your life. And sometimes, it’s also trying to tell you something important: that your mental health needs attention, too.

The Link Between Pain and Emotion

Many patients don’t realize how closely migraine and depression are tied. But Dr. Susan Hutchinson, clinical director at Haven, puts it plainly: "You can’t just treat the headache and expect the depression to go away. They often need to be treated together."

The brain systems that regulate mood—serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine—also play a major role in migraine. That means the emotional symptoms are not "in your head"—they're rooted in brain chemistry.

Signs It’s More Than Just the Migraine

Ask yourself:

• Have I stopped doing things I used to enjoy?
• Do I feel low or unmotivated even on migraine-free days?
• Has my migraine gotten more frequent or harder to treat?

If you answered yes to any of these, depression could be playing a role.

How Haven Screens for Mental Health

At Haven, we screen every patient for both depression and anxiety before their first visit. We use tools like the PHQ-2 and GAD-2 so nothing gets missed. And we use this information to build a personalized care plan that addresses your full experience—not just the pain.

We also talk about lifestyle factors:

• Are you sleeping well?
• Eating regularly?
• Getting some kind of exercise?

These questions help identify patterns that may be making both migraine and mood worse.

What Happens When You Treat Both

Patients who are open to addressing their depression often see better results from their migraine treatments, too. That might mean:

• Fewer attacks
• Less pain
• Improved quality of life

Treatment options can include:

• Medications like duloxetine
• Therapy (especially CBT)
• Lifestyle changes

And most importantly—hope. Depression is treatable. So is migraine. You just need the right team looking at the whole picture.

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.