Spotlight on Migraine® Working With Migraine: Managing Your Career, Health, and Hard Decisions
12 snips
Nov 12, 2025 
Dr. Dawn Buse, a clinical psychologist and migraine expert, discusses the profound impacts of migraine on professional life. She dives into the emotional complexities of work and identity tied to chronic pain and how to navigate disclosure with employers. Listeners learn about practical accommodations like flexible schedules and quiet spaces, and the importance of self-advocacy. Dr. Buse emphasizes managing guilt and ambition, offering strategies for coping with career changes while maintaining financial stability and exploring new paths.
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Work Shapes Identity And Worth
- Work supplies income, identity, and a sense of worth for many people with migraine.
- Losing work roles can therefore produce deep emotional consequences beyond finances.
Involve HR Early And Use A Doctor's Note
- Tell HR or a trusted supervisor about migraine so accommodations can be arranged and attacks aren't taken by surprise.
- Bring a doctor's note when possible to formalize protections and start accommodation planning.
Flight Attendant Kept Working Through An Attack
- Flight attendants sometimes manage migraine attacks on the job with quick fixes and no backup staff.
- One told Dr. Buse she cleaned up, medicated, and kept working because there was no other choice.