- Categories:
- Health
- Tags:
- AwarenessDiseases
- Where:
- International
- Date change rule:
- Every June 21
- Holiday emoji:
- 🕶️
Shades for Migraine unites people globally every June 21 to raise awareness for the one billion individuals living with migraine disease. Show your support by wearing sunglasses, sharing facts, and advocating for better understanding. Educate yourself and others on the impact of this often-misunderstood condition.
Want to sponsor Shades for Migraine? Learn how
History of Shades for Migraine
Shades for Migraine is a social media campaign created by the Association of Migraine Disorders (A.M.D.) in 2017. It is a way to create a viral buzz about a disease affecting over one billion people the world over. Sunglasses represent photophobia, or extreme sensitivity to light, a migraine symptom. Every year people living with migraine disease along with their families, friends, and co-workers, post pictures on social media wearing sunglasses on and around June 21. Participants use the hashtag #ShadesForMigraine and encourage others to join in to make the campaign go viral.
Organizers declare the campaign is growing each year. In 2019, the Shades for Migraine team gathered in Times Square, New York City, handing out sunglasses, educating people about migraines, and encouraging those living with migraines to share their experiences in a new initiative called “Taking it to the Streets.” This action is a way to make the public recognize purple sunglasses as a symbol of migraine awareness, educate the public about migraine disease, and introduce people having migraines to migraine-related organizations that can help them. Shades for Migraine spread quickly, and in 2020, 44 countries participated, with more than 20 million people reached.
A migraine is more than just a headache. It is a complex neurological disease, and headache is one of its common symptoms. Another common symptom is sensitivity to light or photophobia. In this case, wearing sunglasses is a preventive measure to avoid photophobia. Other symptoms include irritability, sensitivity to sound, dizziness, nausea, and vomiting. Triggers can be stress, hormonal changes, irregular sleep schedule or changes in sleep routines, caffeine and alcohol, and changes in the weather. Since migraines are often undiagnosed and untreated, it’s better to see a doctor if you experience any of these symptoms.
Shades for Migraine timeline
James E. Lebensohn describes and defines photophobia as “exposure of the eye to light definitely induces or exacerbates pain.”
The Shades for Migraine campaign is created by the Association of Migraine Disorders (A.M.D.).
The Shades for Migraine team gather in Times Square, New York City.
44 countries participate in the Shades for Migraine campaign.
Shades for Migraine FAQs
When is Shades for Migraine?
Shades for Migraine 2026 falls on a Monday, June 21. This global observance encourages everyone to wear sunglasses to show support for those living with migraine disease.
How many people are affected by migraine worldwide?
Globally, an estimated one billion people live with migraine disease, making it one of the most prevalent neurological conditions. This staggering number highlights the widespread impact of migraine on individuals and healthcare systems.
What are the common triggers for migraine?
Migraine triggers vary widely among individuals but commonly include stress, changes in sleep patterns, certain foods and drinks (like aged cheese or red wine), strong smells, and hormonal fluctuations. Light sensitivity is also a major trigger for many.
Is migraine just a bad headache?
No, migraine is a complex neurological disease, not merely a severe headache. It often involves symptoms beyond head pain, such as throbbing, sensitivity to light and sound, nausea, and visual disturbances, which can be debilitating.
How to Observe Shades for Migraine
Spread the word
Participate in the Shades for Migraine campaign by taking a photo of yourself wearing shades on or around June 21. Post it on social media with the hashtag #ShadesForMigraine, and; challenge three of your friends to join in.
Volunteer to help
If you have skills you want to share, join the Shade for Migraine team. Although there is no guarantee that you will get a volunteer role, try and visit their website to register.
Donate
Shades for Migraine has products that are available as a gift-with-donation, so you can donate and shop at the same time. They have sunglasses, sunglasses cases, T-shirts, pens, and stickers. You can also just donate money. Donations are used to help fund the campaign and for migraine research.
5 Facts About Photophobia You Need To Know
It’s common in people with mental disorders
People suffering from mental health problems like depression, anxiety, and bipolar disorder are prone to having photophobia.
It’s different from photosensitivity
Photosensitivity is different from photophobia; photosensitivity is heightened skin sensitivity to ultraviolet (U.V.) radiation.
There is no medication for it
The most important measure for this symptom is treating the main disease, whether a migraine or dry eyes.
Avoiding light makes it worse
Wearing sunglasses is a short-term option for photophobia because avoiding light regularly can make it worse.
It can be long-term
For people with a chronic condition, photophobia can remain for years.
Why Shades for Migraine is Important
It’s a time of support
Migraines can seriously affect the lives of some people. Shades for Migraine shows migraine sufferers that we care about them.
It can be fun
Of course, a migraine itself is not pleasant. But, raising awareness about it can be fun. You can participate in the social media campaign, and also have fun when you’re joining in “Taking it to the Streets.”
It’s a chance to give
Shades for Migraine affords you the chance to give, whether it’s your time or your money. You can volunteer to help or donate money for the campaign as well as for migraine research.
