When it gets really hard
Dark thoughts during an attack are common. They pass, and they are a reason to step up treatment.
Cluster headache is called one of the worst pains known. No wonder that at the peak of an attack many people think “I want this to end at any cost”.
In a Korean study of 175 patients, during attacks 64% had passive thoughts like this and 36% active ones. Between cycles the figures fell to 3–4%. The pain produces these thoughts, not the person.
What to do
- Tell your doctor that attacks bring you to such thoughts. It is a direct reason to prescribe oxygen and prevention now, not later.
- Make a night plan: oxygen, attack medicine and the number of someone you can call.
- Tell your family what happens during an attack.
- Write on the forum: people here know this pain from the inside.
If you are thinking about harming yourself, call your local emergency number now (112 in Europe and Russia, 911 in North America). You are not alone, and this pain is treatable.