Formerly known as muscle tension headaches, current research suggests that muscle contraction may not be the sole cause of these headaches. The exact cause of tension headaches remains unknown, which adds to the challenge of dealing with them. Despite the seemingly mild-to-moderate and diffuse pain they cause, tension headaches can have a significant impact on an individual's well-being and daily functioning. The sensation is often described as a tight band around the head. Although they may appear harmless, the effects of tension headaches should not be underestimated as they can be quite debilitating.
Due to my heightened sensitivity to stress, I find myself absorbing a significant amount of stress on a daily basis. This excessive stress has the unfortunate effect of temporarily impairing my ability to think clearly and maintain mental clarity, which is typically one of my strongest attributes. The experience is reminiscent of being overstimulated, similar to what I experience with my autism, leading to a shutdown and often triggering migraines. Consequently, when faced with any of these three challenges, I rarely have a straightforward solution or response.
Typically, tension headaches persist for several hours, compelling me to seek relief by lying down on the sofa. Although I may still engage in activities like watching videos, I struggle to absorb their contents effectively. Therefore, even if I were to watch an informative video during a tension headache, it wouldn't provide much relief or help alleviate the symptoms.
Pinpointing the exact frequency of my tension headaches can be challenging, but it's safe to say that I experience them on more days than not. It's not uncommon for a significant portion of my evenings to be consumed by these headaches, further impacting my daily routines and activities.
Experiencing tension headaches nearly every day, and considering their prolonged duration that can extend throughout the night, I find myself needing to rest and lie down more frequently than others. Just one hour of rest per day accumulates to two full weeks of resting time in a year. In my case, the duration of rest often ranges from 2 to 7 hours. This significant amount of time dedicated to recuperation severely impacts my overall productivity.
The constant need for rest and recovery not only disrupts my daily routines but also hinders my ability to engage in various activities and tasks. It can be incredibly frustrating and challenging to maintain a consistent level of productivity when a significant portion of my time needs to be allocated for restorative measures.
When a tension headache strikes, it significantly impairs my ability to speak and communicate effectively. The cognitive impact of the headache makes it difficult for me to think clearly and find the right words to express myself. This loss of verbal communication may not appear severe on the surface, but it becomes a significant liability when it hinders my desire to lead an active and engaged life.
Communication is a fundamental aspect of human interaction, and its limitations due to tension headaches can be frustrating and isolating. Whether it's engaging in social interactions, participating in work-related discussions, or simply expressing my thoughts and needs, the impairment in my ability to find words and communicate effectively becomes a significant challenge. It can restrict my opportunities for connection, understanding, and participation in various aspects of life.
Having healthcare to take over whatever I am doing at that moment gives me the ability to listen to my body, pick a place to rest, and when I have recovered, the work I was supposed to do is done, making me feel guilty yet relieved.
This is what lifecourse guidance can do for me, but as long as I do not get it, I think tension headaches will keep on ruining my life.