The good news is that being so closely linked, the steps you can take to alleviate either migraine or anxiety are likely to be effective for both.

Meditation

According to Dr Katy Munro, author of Managing Your Migraine, stress management is a key tool in managing chronic migraines. In her podcast Headaches, Migraine, Menopause and Running, she talks to Dr Juliet McGrattan about the benefits of simple breathing exercises, meditation and yoga, and how these calming strategies can all help to dial down the worry over a migraine attack, and in turn, make you feel more relaxed.

Breathing exercises

“Slow breathing exercises focusing on slow exhalations are good for improving the parasympathetic nervous system,” explains Dr McGrattan. “And we’ve seen that simply having a good management plan in place, feeling confident that you can manage an attack if you do get one, will help to reduce your anxiety around migraine.”

Stress reduction

“Reducing the frequency of headaches through medication, lifestyle changes and managing triggers is crucial to reducing the likelihood of developing an anxiety disorder,” advises Hallissey. “Stress reduction and anxiety management strategies along with personal therapy should also be part of the treatment plan.”

Research shows migraine sufferers are four times more likely to suffer from anxiety – here’s why