September is Pain Awareness Month!
September is National Pain Awareness month!
Whether you experience chronic pain, or your child, or someone else you know, September is a great month to learn more, spread awareness, and share with the community.
Why do we need a Pain Awareness Month?
Sadly, pediatric pain has been commonly misunderstood and misdiagnosed. However, it’s a lot more common than many realize. Research suggests that anywhere from 1 in 10 to 1 in 3 children live with some type of frequent pain. One in 9 young adults are estimated to live with chronic pain. Less, but a significant portion of children and adults, struggle with “high impact chronic pain.”
Despite chronic pain in childhood being relatively common, the experience can be isolating, lonely, and frustrating. It can feel like there are no answers, and you don’t know what to do.
How You Can Learn More about Pain and Pain in Childhood
Hopefully, some of the articles on this site can be helpful. You are also welcome to click the Get Started button at the top of the screen or click here to get more personalized help.
I was also recently interviewed on the Chronic Pain Reset Podcast, with Dr. Afton Hassett, where we discuss what is unique about understanding and treating pediatric chronic pain, and how to find positivity.
In the meantime, here are some great national and international resources to learn more about pain, pediatric pain, and resources.
This Zoom Webinar Series about navigating pain in school and more
After you’ve learned more, consider taking two actions:
Do one thing for yourself that you haven’t before, or haven’t really committed to, to take care of your or your child’s pain. Maybe it’s a healthy habit or picking up the phone to schedule a new therapy, taking one step today can lead to many better tomorrows.
Spread the word about chronic pain! As mentioned, it can be very isolating. Let others know that they are not alone, that they are seen and that others care for them.