About Me

I remember my first migraine like it was yesterday. I was a junior in college, sitting in a night class, when a headache started creeping in. I assumed it was from not eating enough that day. But by the time I got home, it had escalated into the worst pain I’d ever felt. I was vomiting, terrified, and convinced something was seriously wrong—possibly an aneurysm, like the ones I’d seen on those scary TV commercials.

But I didn’t go to the ER. I was too scared, too broke, and just wanted it all to go away. Somehow, I managed to fall asleep. The next morning, the pain was gone, but I was left confused and shaken. A visit to the campus health center confirmed it: I had experienced a migraine. They handed me a few medication samples and sent me on my way.

Those samples didn’t last long. And because I couldn’t afford more, I just kept suffering.

The migraines kept coming—sometimes with visual auras, nausea, and vomiting. I remember hitting my head against the wall once, hoping that pain would somehow feel better than the migraine. Looking back, I barely remember parts of my junior and senior year of college. What I do remember is the relentless pain, and the slow, quiet invasion of anxiety and depression.

That was the start of what would become over 20 years of navigating life with chronic migraine, depression, and anxiety.

For a long time, I didn’t know what to call what I was feeling. The stigma around mental health kept me silent. I just knew I felt broken. The fear of triggering a migraine kept me from social gatherings. I became hyper-aware of everything—perfume, candles, cigarette smoke, flashing lights, loud music. I began avoiding anything that could possibly set off another attack.

Even now, depression and anxiety are always there—sometimes loud, sometimes quieter, but never fully gone.

You’re not alone in this. Whether you’re dealing with migraines, depression, anxiety—or all three—you deserve care, support, and hope.

Some days, survival is an accomplishment. If today feels impossible, I want you to know: TOMORROW NEEDS YOU.

This blog, Head Hope, is where I share my story and what I’ve learned along the way. If you’re living through something similar, I want you to know you’re not alone. This is a space for honesty, hope, and community. I’m not a doctor—what I share is from personal experience, not medical advice. But I can tell you this: finding a compassionate, competent medical team has changed my life, and I urge you to seek support too.

You are not broken. You are not weak. You’re just fighting battles most people can’t see. And you don’t have to fight them alone.

Resources – If You’re in Crisis:

Emergency: Call 911

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline:

Call 1-800-273-8255

Chat: suicidepreventionlifeline.org

Suicide & Crisis Lifeline:

Call or text 988

Website: 988lifeline.org

TOMORROW NEEDS YOU.