If you have ever had a migraine, then you know the struggle. If not, then you probably know someone who does.

I have had migraines for as long as I can remember. Plenty of people in my family have them too, so we all get to complain together. Somehow I'm surviving in college with them. I think it's mostly with the support of my family and suitemates. I don't know what I'd do without them.

Migraines are a multi-step deal. First, you have the build up, where you can tell one is coming and get to brace yourself. Then comes the monster itself, where you need to hold on for dear life. My migraines can have multiple symptoms, from severe head pain and dizziness, blurred vision, hearing loss, nausea, to limb numbness and exhaustion. Second, I usually try to sleep it off, being ok and back to normal in a day or two. Depending on what's happening in my classes, I can take medicine to push through and make it to class to be able to make it to those crucial tests that don't wait for my migraines.

When these come I can only be thankful for my support system of my family and roommates who are there to take care of me. They keep me sane when I am in pain and make sure I am ok when I have to sleep for a day or so. I am so grateful for them and for them being so understanding.

The third step of a migraine is what comes after. This is commonly referred to as the "migraine hangover." The day after I have a migraine, I am usually extremely tired and have a worse headache than usual. This can also come with muscle aches, confusion, and wanting to eat everything in sight. I have a general system for my post-migraine process of coming back to life, involving getting ready with specific aromatherapy products and drinking lots of water.

The point is, whatever stage of a migraine I'm in or about to go in, don't worry, I'll be human again soon!