Migraine Pain and The Power of Self Advocacy with Alice W. Meadows

Today's episode gives recognition to a chronic pain many women suffer through which is the theme this year for World Menopause Day (October 18). Mary is joined by migraine advocate and author Alice W. Meadows in  deeply personal conversaton about living with migraine from childhood, the damage of not being believed, and how finding language for invisible pain can change self-esteem, diagnosis, and care.  Alice shares how early dismissal led her to hide symptoms, dissociate from her body, and later dismiss thyroid cancer treatment emotionally, until perimenopause and menopause helped her reconnect with her body and shift toward self-advocacy.  Her experience led to the creation of her first book, an illustrated children’s book, "Mabel and Her Bright, Noisy, Prickly, Dizzy Migraine," which uses characters to represent migraine symptoms so children can communicate and families can build empathy and seek accommodations.  This conversation also covers writing as healing, overcoming fear of publishing, community advocacy, and listening as a first act of support.  Key points: Migraine affects more than 1 billion people worldwide, 40 million in the U.S. (American Migraine Foundation), and 5 million in Canada (Migraine Canada). That is 25% of women in Canada (8% of men). Healing starts wiht compassionate listening and starting a conversations using tools such as Mabel that gives langiage to the invisible illness.  Encourage families to communicate better, advocate for themselves, and support their migraine warrior. Replace isolation and doubt with empathy and belief. Connect: Alice's webiste and book preorders: https://www.alicewmeadows.com/ References: Christiane Northrop, The Wisdom of Menopause: Creating Physical and Emotional Health During the Change Brené Brown, The Man in the Arena Speech  Scrivener App Chapters: 00:00 A Body Not Believed 00:56 Welcome and Guest Intro 03:53 Early Migraine Memories 05:08 Meet Mabel and Symptoms 07:55 Stigma and Hiding Pain 11:03 Menopause Reconnection 14:35 The Great Reveal 17:22 Advocacy and Accommodations 20:43 Writing Through Fear 26:43 Healing Power of Writing 29:19 Mabel’s Mission and Next Books 35:56 Rapid Fire and Final Listen 40:09 World Menopause Day Wrap Let us know if you're liking the show! Hen's Den Yoga A serene and cozy home studio nestled in the Comox Valley offering a variety of wellness classes. Support the show Meet the host, Mary, a certified Menopause Doula, GGS Coaching Specialist, and corporate educator, helping forward-thinking organizations foster a menopause-friendly workplace. Visit https://emmeellecoaching.com/menopauseatwork Turn your menopause transition into a transformation with the Menopause Intelligence Course (MQ), an 8-module, self-paced learning experience, empowering you to take agency over your health and make informed decisions with your healthcare team.  Connect with Mary:  Instagram @menopausedisruptorpodcast LinkedIn linkedin.com/in/maryhelenlee/ Disclaimer: Information shared is for educational and entertainment purposes only and does not replace medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional.