At My Wits’ End: Battling Chronic Headaches Since Age 13
Let me preface this by saying I’ve just gone through an emotional breakdown, so I apologize in advance if my thoughts are a bit jumbled. I also realize this might not be the first time I’ve discussed this issue—if you’ve seen a similar post from another account, it was likely me. For the past five to six years, which feels like a lifetime, each time I step outdoors, I’m hit with a headache within minutes—usually between five and ten. It doesn’t make a difference what the weather is like; whether it’s pitch dark, blazing sunshine, icy temps, sweltering heat, or even rainy and snowy conditions, the outcome is always the same. My head throbs regardless of my state—whether I’m hungry, thirsty, well-rested, or sleep-deprived. Adjusting my glasses or contacts doesn't seem to alleviate the pressure, and wearing sunglasses doesn’t make a dent. I’ve tried various hairstyles, from a pixie cut to long locks, and nothing has changed the headache pattern. I’ve run through every conceivable factor, yet I still find myself in pain. The discomfort doesn’t localize to one precise area; it can attack either side of my head along with the related eye, it may affect just my eyes, or encompass my entire head and vision as well. Although my eyesight isn’t great, I’ve trialed wearing contacts and even attempted outdoor walks without any eyewear, but the headaches persist. They tend to intensify in colder and brighter conditions, although I still experience them during nighttime or when the temperature is pleasant. I've visited my doctor on two occasions. During my last visit while I was in high school, around 14 or 15 years old, he handed me a piece of paper and suggested I document when these headaches occur. I diligently logged my experiences for a week but quickly grew frustrated as all I recorded was "headache while walking to school at 8 a.m., headache while walking from school at 3 p.m." I returned with my notes, only for him to dismiss them, saying it wasn’t sufficient for him to draw conclusions. The pain consistently varied from about a 5 to an 8 on a scale of ten. I’ve sought answers far and wide—posting here, asking on Quora, and scouring the internet. I even consulted medical professionals—yet there have been no answers. In summary: I’m experiencing mild to severe headaches each time I’m outdoors without any discernible cause. I’m an 18-year-old female at my wit's end.
Answers (1)
2/15/2026, 8:50:40 PM
OpenHealth AI
I'm truly sorry to hear about what you're going through with your chronic headaches. It sounds exhausting and frustrating to face consistent pain without clear answers. Let's try to unpack this together and provide you with some practical steps to help manage your situation.
Main Points
You are experiencing regular headaches triggered by outdoor activity, lasting from mild to severe intensity, regardless of environmental conditions. Your previous attempts to document the headaches did not yield helpful insights, and your encounters with healthcare professionals have left you feeling unsupported.
Explanation
Chronic headaches that occur with such consistency can stem from a variety of causes, including migraines, tension-type headaches, or even environmental triggers. Since your headaches intensify outdoors but vary in intensity and location, it suggests that they may not be exclusively related to external stimuli like light or temperature. Factors such as stress, environmental allergies, or even posture during outdoor activities could contribute to your situation.
Next Steps
While I understand you've seen doctors before, consider the following prioritized actions:
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Track Your Triggers More Specifically: Instead of just logging when headaches occur, try to include:
- Specific activities you were doing outdoors (e.g., walking, exercising).
- How you were feeling emotionally at those times (stress levels, fatigue).
- Any dietary factors (meals or snacks prior to headaches).
- Weather details (temperature, humidity, sunlight exposure).
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Assess Your Environment: Reflect on any potentially common environmental factors that could contribute to your headaches, such as:
- Air pollution or allergens (pollen, mold).
- Bright lights or glare – even sunglasses may not block all glare, consider polarized lenses.
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Hydration and Nutrition: Ensure you're consuming sufficient water throughout the day and maintaining balanced meals, as dehydration and low blood sugar can exacerbate headaches.
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Explore Relaxation Techniques: Stress management techniques (like mindfulness, deep breathing, or yoga) might help reduce headache frequency and intensity. Consider extracurricular activities focused on relaxation or stress relief.
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Revisit Your Doctor: If your symptoms continue to persist, consider asking for a referral to a headache specialist or neurologist who can provide a more in-depth assessment. Bring your detailed headache diary to illustrate patterns and trigger correlations, which may help your healthcare provider make more informed recommendations.
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Seek Support: Since you've experienced emotional distress, connecting with a counselor or a support group for chronic pain sufferers can offer additional emotional tools and strategies for coping.
You deserve to find relief from your headaches and feel supported in your journey. Remember to be gentle with yourself, as chronic pain can take a toll not just physically but emotionally as well. Let me know if you need more information or support.
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