The World Health Assembly (WHA), a subsection of the World Health Organization (WHO) has declared September as Pain Awareness Month.
Throughout the month of September, many organisations around the globe contribute and raise awareness of chronic pain. This year Chronic Pain Ireland’s theme is Chronic Pain and the importance of connection in addressing social isolation.
Research suggests that social isolation as a result of chronic pain is responsible for a greater reliance of GP services, decreased quality of life and physical function.
Reported social issues that accompany life with chronic pain include:
- Stigma – pain is invisible, feelings of being judged, misunderstood, a burden.
- Relationships – challenges and in particular intimacy
- Impact on mental health
Further research on the impact of Covid-19 concludes that the current pandemic has exacerbated existing sources of social threat for people with chronic pain.
CPI Chairperson Martina Phelan states: “It is crucial that we devote attention to the assessment, mitigation, and prevention of the sources of social threat for people with chronic pain.
“It is now more important than ever to develop strategies and evidence based interventions that combat chronic pain and social isolation which will ultimately improve health and well-being”.
Throughout Pain Awareness Month, Chronic Pain Ireland will be holding a number of events, talks and workshops addressing social isolation and for further details see www.chronicpain.ie
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