National Migraine and Headache Awareness Month
Learn to recognize triggers, manage stress, and find relief through awareness and support for migraine and headache sufferers.
Headache, migraine and cluster headaches are all diseases that affect people’s lives and bodies in a myriad of ways, some obvious and some not-so-obvious. National Migraine and Headache Awareness Month acts as an important opportunity for advocacy and action geared toward the general public, along with those who live with headache diseases and their caregivers.
History of National Migraine and Headache Awareness Month
The origins of what is now known as National Migraine and Headache Awareness Month (MHAM) can be traced back to efforts made through the work of the National Headache Foundation. Originally beginning in 1989 as National Headache Week, the event took root and made a name for itself over the next two decades as it grew in size and scope.
In 2011, the event moved from observing for just a week to the entire month of June. By 2018, the US federal government gave recognition to National Migraine and Headache Awareness Month as a national health observance. With purple as the chosen support ribbon color, this event continues each year to improve public education and information while advocating for supportive government policies and encouraging understanding on every level.
Each year, the organizers behind National Migraine and Headache Awareness Month offer themes that help establish the focus of the particular observance. Past themes have included:
- Myth, Truth, Action(2024)
- Educate Yourself, Educate Others (2023)
- Advocate for Treatment Access (2022)
- A New Era in Care (2021)
How to Celebrate National Migraine and Headache Awareness Month
Consider some of these important ways to participate in the events and activities surrounding National Migraine and Headache Awareness Month:
Get More Information About Migraine and Headache
One of the best ways to observe National Migraine and Headache Awareness Week is for individuals and groups to improve their understanding of this medical condition. The MHAM blog offers many articles and resources that can help answer questions, provide options for headache management, and show support for people with migraine and headache.
Consider, and perhaps share, some of these important facts about migraine and headache to get started:
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Across the globe, approximately 40% of the population is affected by headache disorders – equalling more than 3 billion people
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The prevalence of severe headaches is more than twice as high among women than men
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Migraine headache impacts roughly 1 out of every seven Americans adults annually
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In the United States, headache is the third highest cause of years lost due to disability
Get Help for Headache or Migraine
Many of those people who deal with chronic headache or migraine tend to suffer alone, but they don’t have to. In addition to finding a doctor who is a headache specialist, it is also possible to get access to information and support from The National Headache Foundation, The American Migraine Foundation, or the Miles for Migraine non-profit organization.
Attend Migraine and Headache Awareness Activities
The organizers of MHAM provide a month filled with opportunities to get connected and involved through education, community activities and much more. An online calendar for the event provides all sorts of different opportunities to connect, focus, organize, raise awareness and more. From conferences and seminars to support-raising events and more, there are lots of different ways to get connected and involved during National Migraine and Headache Awareness Month.
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