How long should headaches last?

[Serendippy]

(Also posting this in general health)

My DH has had a headache at least 5 days out of 7 for the past few years. He suffers with depression and anxiety and has seen the doctor on a few occasions to be told it is a stress headache and when he gets less stressed they will go. How long should he be putting up with them for? Should I go with him and really fight his corner? He excercises a few times a week but one of the things that stresses him out is not having enough time so when he does go he comes home stressed and angry, even if there is actually nothing that needs doing (in my eyes) so the exercise is not helping him to relax and therefore ease the headaches.

I know I do not see things the same way as him, and am willing to support him as best I can, but I don't know how to. He gets through so much paracetamol but as he has been told they are stress headaches he thinks there is nothing more he can do. I am actually really worried. Does depression cause this over a long term and are there other ways to deal with it? Or does he need to push for tests?

If you're anywhere near London, you can self-refer to the City of London Migraine Clinic - or phone for advice.

My DS had appointments there - you pay by donation (no pressure to pay if you can't afford to do so). DS was well looked after there and what turned out to be the correct diagnosis was finally made.
There may be similar in your area - the Clinic might be able to help with this.

Good luck to you both.

The City of London Migraine Clinic is the only Clinic of it's kind in the UK. Their website is www.migraineclinic.org.uk (they are also on twitter, youtube (videos) and facebook) and there are loads of fact sheets and migraine diaries on their website.

The Clinic really needs the support of us suffers of headache and migraine as it is completely funded by donation and has to fight to stay going.

If you have hormonal/menstrual migraine or migraine during pregnancy the worlds leading doctor works there. They also do trials for the new headache/migraine drugs so it is worth keeping an eye on the website or visiting and they will contact you if you are suitable and interested in that type of thing. I think they one migraine carer of the year - I'm sure it will say on the website.

A big fan of the clinic's work