Scary observation
 

I have been in Dallas at my parents house since last Thursday night... While I have been here I have done one activity per day that requires 'brain power'.. either a doctors apt or dinner with an old friend...

My parents have also been on vacation... So I have had a lot of time to just do nothing... and my headache has diminished not gone by any means but on the pain scale a steady 4 vs a steady 6-7 ... can dealing with my family on a daily basis really be causing my body so much stress that it makes me have this terrible headaches? If so, what can i do about it when I go home?

I think any kind of social interaction takes a significant amount of brain power. When you are home surrounded by family there is always something going on, you are carrying on conversations, theres activity going on - its probably noisy to some degree. You are trying to prepare meals, tidy up with numerous distractions all around.

I live by myself so I really notice all the ramped up sensory stimulation when I visit my family. What I do is take lots of little time outs in a quiet room with my noise cancelling headphones (a girl's best friend) and some relaxing music - even 5 minutes helps

Oh yes, dealing with family, or anyone, on a daily basis can cause severe headaches cos I get them!

People talking, asking things, TV on in background, clanging dishes...I can feel my head exploding, I have to go be by myself in a quiet place or I'll scream.

I put ear plugs in and even wear them while lying in the bath tub:) bliss...

When I'm alone in nature i hardly get a headache.

Feel better soon...

Just amazes me... never knew that my husband and the minions (my 3 kids.. 9,5,3) could be so taxing... at my parents I just do nothing and no one expects me to do anything...

I second that! Definitely all of these can make it worse. I also have a steady headache 24x7 and a dark quiet room can make it better. Stress is also a demon I battle with daily and it makes things worse as well. Being in nature, alone and still, is the best therapy. I agree.

On another note I have to remind my family members to keep their voices down. I have a family of loud-talkers! I control the TV volume. I also use my earplugs to help when around crowds, etc. It's all about how you cope and what assistive devices help.