Dads are superheroes, right? At least, mine was, and still is in the memories I cherish. But after losing my dad and witnessing his pain, it’s made me hyper-aware of the struggles that men face when they’re suffering from a chronic pain condition.
Not only do they have to contend with the condition itself, but also the stigma that comes along with it – especially when they’re aware of the ‘superhero’ pedestal their loved ones have put them on.
But guess what? Dads (and men all over the world) feel pain too! And they deserve to be supported, heard and understood as they face their own chronic pain battles.
The Chronic Pain Experience for Men
Chronic pain is difficult for anyone to live with, but studies show that men also have to contend with higher levels of stigma due to preconceived notions of what being a man should look like. Research suggests that ‘men with chronic pain adopt a stoic wait and see approach and express an understanding that they need to take their pain like a man.’
This acts as a barrier to men seeking support for their chronic pain, resulting in higher levels of mental health issues and an increased risk of lasting damage due to untreated, progressive chronic pain conditions like arthritis.
Research also found that men with chronic pain reported that ‘being judged as less of a man’ and ‘becoming a burden’ were huge daily concerns, leaving them struggling with self-esteem, grief over the loss of a previous life and damaged self-identity when it comes to their role in the home or at work.
In short, the male stereotype and stigma mean men are far less likely to report and seek help for chronic pain symptoms.
I don’t know about you, but that notion makes me feel incredibly sad.
Supporting Men with Chronic Pain
Anyone suffering from a chronic pain condition deserves to feel comfortable and supported when asking for help. For this to be the case for men, we must:
- Speak freely about chronic pain – it’s not taboo and shouldn’t be treated as such
- Educate as much as possible – the more information out there available to men, the more likely they are to seek support
- Take pain seriously – if anyone reports chronic pain – regardless of gender – we must listen
Supporting men with chronic pain is something that is very close to my heart. In memory of my lovely dad, and to raise awareness of chronic pain in men, I’ll be at the National Cycling Show at the N.E.C Birmingham on Father’s Day (18thJune), offering BEMER therapy to anyone who wants to give it a go.
50% of the proceeds will go to Marie Curie.
If my dad was still here, and I knew what I know now, I’d be throwing every trick in the book at him to help alleviate his pain. Working with others who experience chronic pain brings me more comfort than I can put into words.
If you’re heading to the National Cycling Show pop over and say hello, or visit my website for further chronic pain support.