Chronic Pain and Emotional Impact: Migraine in Mexico

In the case of chronic migraine, rates of depression, anxiety, and generalized chronic pain can double. Timely diagnosis and comprehensive approach Specialists agree that identifying migraine early and obtaining adequate neurological care can reduce the frequency and intensity of attacks, as well as decrease the associated risk of anxiety and depression. Advances in preventive therapies and comprehensive management strategies have shown that it is possible to modify the course of the disease, improve functionality, and regain quality of life. Blue Monday as an opportunity for visibility Within the framework of Blue Monday, specialists emphasize the importance of strengthening collaboration between medical societies, health systems, and industry to advance the recognition of migraine as a public health issue, reduce the stigma of invisible pain, and promote an approach that integrates timely diagnosis, mental health, and access to treatment. This article, as well as reports, exclusive interviews, videos, podcasts, and more, you will find in our next special digital edition of 'Temas Selectos en Salud Mental'. LaSalud.mx The Journal of the Medical Community. Visit some of our special editions at https://issuu.com/grupo-mundodehoy. D. Chronic pain and emotional impact affect millions in Mexico By: Editorial Staff LaSalud.mx/Ellas.mx/Sanamente.mx, Mexico City, January 19, 2026 .- In Mexico, more than 20 million people live with migraine, a chronic neurological disease that represents one of the main causes of disability and whose impact transcends physical pain to directly affect emotional health, particularly in women. In women aged 15 to 50, it is the leading cause of disability, coinciding with stages of high personal, work, and family demands. A neurological disease with cumulative emotional impact Living with migraine involves facing unpredictable attacks, persistent pain, and constant impairment of daily functionality. Marisol Figueroa, a neurologist and Vice President of the Mexican Association for Headaches and Migraine (AMCEMIG), points out that migraine is not only influenced by emotional state, but the disease itself worsens depressive symptoms due to recurrent pain, sleep disruption, and uncertainty about new attacks. This phenomenon progressively deteriorates quality of life and reinforces the need to recognize migraine as a real neurological disease, beyond social stigmas or minimizations. Late diagnosis and self-medication: a persistent gap In Mexico, only 27% of people with migraine seek medical care, and a mere 7% go to public health services. This scenario is associated with a risk of depression up to three times higher than the general population, in addition to a higher frequency of psychiatric comorbidities such as panic, bipolar, and social phobias disorders. During January, factors such as low temperatures, changes in natural light, sleep schedule alterations, and the accelerated return to work or school activities can trigger or intensify migraine attacks, as well as aggravate emotional symptoms. January, winter, and the nervous system: a critical interaction The natural variations of winter influence the neurological mechanisms that regulate pain and biological rhythms, increasing the sensitivity of the nervous system. This favors the appearance of pulsating pain, photophobia, phonophobia, and in some cases, auras, symptoms that affect both daily performance and mood. This set of factors turns the beginning of the year into a period of special vulnerability for those living with migraine, making visible the intersection between physical pain and emotional well-being. Migraine and depression: a documented relationship In the context of Blue Monday, associated with low mood, anxiety, and depression, specialists point out that this date highlights a daily burden that often goes unnoticed. Migraine affects approximately 12% of the world's population and ranks second among the most frequent causes of disability in the general population. Consequently, 83% of those who do not consult a professional resort to self-medication, which prolongs the lack of control of the condition. Internationally, 34% of people with migraine consulted four or more specialists before receiving an adequate diagnosis, and 40% waited more than five years to access treatment after being diagnosed.