Ending the Stigma of Pain: A New ICP Webpage
The stigma of chronic pain is personally hurtful. It is a negative judgment of you that others make. Specifically, stigma occurs when others judge you simply for being who you are – someone with chronic pain. You are looked down upon because of it. As such, stigma is more than hurtful. It’s shaming.
Why the Stigma of Chronic Pain Remains
Attempts to challenge the stigma of chronic pain often fail. Despite arguments from providers and patients alike, stigma remains a persistent problem.
Overcome Social Stigma of Chronic Pain
The Institute for Chronic Pain website has a new article on the social stigma of chronic pain. It explains the nature of social stigma and challenges both providers and patients to take the difficult steps to overcome it.
If it challenges and inspires you, please share it with your network.
Click here to read it.
Author: Murray J. McAllister, PsyD
Date of last modification: 10-26-2013
3 Healthy Ways to Overcome Stigma
If you have chronic pain, you also have to deal with stigma. Stigma is the disapproval by others for how you are coping with pain. Friends, loved ones, employers, and even healthcare providers can judge you in any number of ways. They might disapprove when you rest or nap, or if you don’t work, or if you take narcotic pain medications. Such critical judgments from others are stigma.
On the Stigma of Living with Chronic Pain
Let’s talk about something that is hard to talk about. It’s the issue of stigma. It’s a sensitive topic.