One of the most challenging aspects of chronic illness, and particularly migraine, is the isolation it can cause. It is no exaggeration that living with chronic migraine often means that you see your doctor more often than you do your friends — and as an outgoing twenty-something, that has been an incredibly difficult dynamic to navigate.

When I was introduced to the online migraine community through Instagram, it was like someone opened the door to an entire new world. I found support, advice, solidarity and so much more from hundreds (and today thousands) of people around the globe who understood the difficult to explain aspects of living with migraine that had become my new norm.

Finding a community of people (especially people my age!) who understood what I was going through, was medicine for my soul. It eased the isolation, shame, guilt and confusion that could cause me to feel engulfed and alone. It was so transformative for me that I often fantasized about a platform devoted to this community with more opportunities for connection and resource sharing; a place to turn to for 24/7 support, encouragement and reliable information.

When I found out about the new Migraine Healthline app I was so thrilled for our community. It is a blend of community support, education and resources for living life to the fullest with migraine. Instead of scouring the internet or facebook groups for information on migraine treatments, coping skills, support and lifestyle modifications — the Migraine Healthline app offers it all in one convenient feed.

I’m beyond excited to share this new resource with you guys and begin using it myself. I’m so hopeful that it will become an extension of the wonderfully supportive migraine #instafam we have created and serve as a platform where we can all connect and share our experiences.

Over the next few weeks, I’ll be hanging out a lot on the Healthline app, and even hosting a few live chats! Looking forward to seeing some familiar faces there and being able to interact together real-time.

Below you’ll find some basics about the (free) app and how to get started with it yourself. See ya on the internet, friends!

What you’ll find in the new Migraine Healthline app:

• Live chats with migraine community leaders discussing everything from new treatments to alternative therapies to nutrition and self care tips

• An opportunity to connect with migraine warriors your age (the app will pair you with other members who fit a profile similar to yours aka find you your #migrainesoultwin if you decide to opt-in to this feature)

• Relevant articles, podcasts, blogs, associations and resources for migraine wellness all in one place

• A community of people that “get it” — day to day migraine life, the hardships and the growth that can come from it all

One of my favorite aspects of the Migraine Healthline app is that it’s a “one stop shop” for connection, resources and support. The app format is built around a home “feed” (similar to what you might find on Facebook or Instagram), but full of holistic, curated, trusted content that is pertinent to your own migraine journey.

How to get started with the Migraine Healthline App:

1. Download the app using this link

2. Create a profile with basic information about how migraine impacts your life (severity, frequency, triggers, symptoms, etc)

3. Check out the different discussion groups (alternative therapies, lifestyle, mental health, migraine at work/school, etc.), send a message to other migraineurs (using the message feature, similar to insta DM), browse migraine related articles and come say “hi” to me and let me know you’re on the app!

Managing migraine can be downright overwhelming (and at times, disheartening). Between trying to keep up with all of the new treatments coming down the pipeline, finding the right combination of acute and preventative treatments, coping with day to day life stressors, partnering effectively with your doctor and getting through attacks — it’s easy to feel like living well with migraine is nearly impossible.

For many of us, migraine is a daily struggle; and it can be hard to find others who can truly understand the depth of what that truly means. Aside from lifestyle and nutrition, community support is one of the strongest determinants of health. It is invaluable for our well-being to be able to hop onto an app and connect with others who have been through the same struggles.

In my experience, online connection has been a bright light in what can be a very dark tunnel of migraine isolation; and a way to create a sense of belonging and understanding.

I am so excited to watch the Migraine Healthline app launch and grow into a resource that we can all use to build our “migraine wellness” toolbox. Becoming an informed and engaged patient is one of the most effective ways to take control of your migraine care and experience — and this app is full of great ways for you to do just that.

Pop any questions you have about the app below, and I’ll be sure to answer them.

Can’t wait to see you guys there!

Natalie Sayre