If you experience migraines, then you know how much they suck.

I've suffered from migraines for several years, and it still eludes me how there are people in the world who have never had one. When an illness becomes such a normal part of your life, it's impossible to imagine life without said malady. If you are not a sufferer of migraines, then there are a few things you should know about them.

1. I may not commit to going to something because of the threat of a migraine

Perhaps it's supposed to be stormy that day, or it's after a particularly stressful week. Regardless, I cannot always predict when I will or will not get a migraine. I'd rather say no to something now than have to bail on the day of the event because my brain decided to make me suffer.

2. Migraines are more than just a headache

They are a neurological disorder that involves debilitating physical pain, as well as nausea and vomiting, sensitivity to light, sound, touch, and smell, dizziness, visual disturbances, and tingling in the limbs. Oh, and migraine attacks can last from 4 to 72 hours.

3. Migraines have four phases

These phases include: Prodrome, Aura, Headache, and Postdrome (also known as a migraine hangover). These phases each have their own symptoms, and each migraine sufferer has their own experience with them. I personally do not experience an aura, but my migraine hangovers can be just as bad as the migraine itself. Migraines are not simple.

4. My migraines laugh at your Advil

No, OTC painkillers don't get rid of my migraines. Those "migraine" painkillers are just Tylenol and caffeine. I need prescriptions to both prevent and treat my migraines. Advil is child's play. Stop telling me to pop a Tylenol and get back to my life.

5. Just because I showed up to class/work does not mean I'm not suffering

There have been countless times when I've been stuck in class without my medication, suffering through what feels like a century until I can leave. I'm not paying attention to what the professor is saying, I'm just trying my hardest not to vomit.

6. There is no cure, only management

No, yoga is not going to cure me. No, meditation won't either. Yes, I drink water. Even though I have an effective treatment plan does not mean I don't still have periods of suffering. I'm going to have to live with this no matter what I do. There is no cure.

7. I promise it's more annoying for me than it is for you

I'm not trying to get attention or pity. This is just a part of my life, and I try to help others understand it better, as well as spread awareness.

You can find more information about migraines here.

Want to help? You can find resources and donate here and here.