In this episode, Tammy Rome, a Licensed Professional Counselor, joins me to discuss migraines and depression. We discuss what depression is, how it affects our bodies, and migraines, how to recognize it in others and ourselves, and then present a Step-By-Step Action Plan for you to take in your life.

How Does it Affect Our Bodies and Migraines

This is an important episode as depression can accompany migraines and chronic pain. Tammy explains how it affects our bodies physically and psychologically. She also explains how it interacts with our migraines, as both involve serotonin.

How Can We Recognize it in Someone?

We then discuss how to recognize depression in someone. Some of the warning signs she discusses are:

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• Trouble sleeping, either too much or too little
  
• Changes in eating habits or sudden weight gain or loss
  
• Significant changes in movement, either faster or slower than normal
  
• Frequently sharing negative or depressing thoughts
  
• Overly critical of self
  
• Apologizing for no reason
  
• Crying frequently or uncontrollably
  
• Appearing “numb†or “blankâ€
  
• Withdrawing from family, friends, work, and hobbies
  
• Lack of interest in activities and things that they once enjoyed
  
• Talking about dying, giving up, or “going awayâ€
  
• Giving away prized possessions, saying “goodbyeâ€, or “putting affairs in orderâ€
  
• Sudden cheerfulness or calm after a long period of these earlier symptoms
  

She notes that the above symptoms can mean many different things. Therefore, the person must be checked out by their doctor.

How Do We Recognize It in Ourselves?

It can be very difficult to recognize these symptoms in ourselves. Tammy explains that we rationalize them.

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• Low, sad mood most of the day, on most days for at least 2 weeks
  
• Trouble sleeping or sleeping too much
  
• Moving unusually slow or fast
  
• Feeling “on edge†or irritable more than usual
  
• Difficulty concentrating, thinking, problem-solving, or making decisions
  
• Eating too much or not having an appetite
  
• Significant rapid weight loss or gain
  
• Feelings of worthlessness, hopelessness, and/or despair
  
• Thoughts of suicide, death, or self-harm
  

When Do We Need to Seek Help?

Tammy provides a thorough walk-through of what to expect and what happens when you call 911 and/or go to the emergency room feeling suicidal.

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2. First, you are checked out to ensure you are not in medical danger.
   
3. Then you will talk with a therapist, who helps you create a plan to stay safe until you can get long-term help.
   
4. She explains that it’s rare for people to be admitted to a psychiatric hospital, unless you are in danger.
   
5. Someone will call in the next day to make sure you are OK and if you need help getting to your therapist appointment.
   
6. She explains that you can access this service regardless of ability to pay.
   

We also discuss how migraineurs are typically resistant to go to the emergency room.

We discuss how this affects our loved ones, especially when they did not know we were suffering or in trouble.

Step-by-Step Action Plan

Tammy provided a detailed action plan for all of us to follow for ourselves and others.

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2. Step 1: Recognize the signs of depression
   
3. Step 2: Get help
   
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   • Tell someone you trust and ask for their help
     
   • Call your doctor, insurance provider, or community mental health center
     
   
   
   
4. Step 3: Recognize the signs of a mental health emergency
   
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   • Making specific plans to kill yourself
     
   • Having the means to carry it out (access to medications, weapons, etc.)
     
   • Knowing when or under what circumstances you are willing to attempt suicide
     
   • Actually trying to hurt or kill yourself
     
   
   
   
5. Step 4: Get Help
   
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   • Call 911
     
   • Go to the nearest emergency room
     
   • Call 800-273-8225 or visit suicidepreventionlifeline.org
     
   • Call a trusted friend and ask them for help
     
   • If a friend contacts you for help, use one of the first 3 options to get them help
     
   • If you are not in the same city
     
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     • Call 911 and tell them you have a medical emergency out of town. Ask to be transferred to emergency services in that city.
       
     • Be prepared to give them the person’s name, address, phone number, and a description of the problem.
       
     • Ask for a “welfare checkâ€. The police will go to your friend’s house and get them the appropriate help.
       
     
     
     
   
   
   
6. Step 5: Once you get help, you will learn strategies to manage your depression and prevent its damaging effects in the future
   

Tammy is Partnering with Migraine Step-By-Step

Tammy is partnering with us and will be featured on a series of podcasts, where we will discuss many mental issues related to migraines not only for the migraineur, but also those around us.

Closing

Migraines, chronic pain, and depression can go hand-in-hand. There is nothing to be ashamed of if you need help, whether to just talk, need coping skills, or are in a mental medical emergency. Seek help. There are various ways to find help from your friends and family, various support groups, calling your local help hotline, calling 800-273-8225 or visit suicidepreventionlifeline.org, or reaching out to Tammy as well.

Tammy Rome’s Contact Information

To reach Tammy directly, please go to her website at Safe Harbour. There she has a call button right on her front page, where you can reach her directly.

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Thank you for listening. Wishing you a pain-free, migraine-free, HM-free, joyous day.