Hidden in plain sight: Why women living with chronic pain often feel isolated
Free Bedfordshire webinar aims to help women reconnect, understand their pain and realise they are not alone.
Chronic pain affects millions of people across the UK, yet one of its most overlooked consequences is loneliness.
For many women, living with persistent pain means much more than coping with physical symptoms. Everyday activities become harder, social invitations are declined, careers are disrupted and relationships can change. Over time, many women describe feeling increasingly isolated from the people and lives they once enjoyed.
Dr Sue Peacock, a Bedfordshire-based Consultant Health Psychologist with almost 30 years' experience supporting people living with chronic pain, says this isolation can become a significant barrier to recovery.
"Pain has a way of shrinking people's worlds," says Dr Peacock. "Many women tell me they feel misunderstood because they often 'look fine' on the outside while managing relentless pain every day. They gradually stop saying yes to social occasions, lose confidence and begin to feel that nobody really understands what they're going through."
Research consistently shows that social connection plays an important role in both physical and psychological wellbeing. Feeling understood, supported and connected can reduce stress, improve mood and help people develop greater confidence in managing long-term health conditions.
To begin addressing this growing need, Dr Peacock has joined forces with Level 4 Personal Trainer Larissa Clarke, who specialises in supporting people with long-term health conditions, and patient advocate Jacq Emkes, who brings lived experience of chronic pain, to deliver a free online webinar designed specifically for women living with persistent pain.
The webinar, Introducing the Pain Reframe, will take place on Wednesday 15 July at 6.00 pm via Zoom.
During the session, participants will:
Learn why chronic pain affects far more than the body.
Understand how the nervous system influences pain.
Discover practical strategies to help them move forward with greater confidence.
Meet others who understand the realities of living with persistent pain.
Learn about the forthcoming Pain Reframe Retreat, a one-day event created to provide education, support and meaningful connection.
"Our aim isn't simply to teach people about pain," says Dr Peacock. "It's to help women realise they don't have to navigate it alone. Sometimes the most powerful moment is discovering that someone else truly understands your experience."
The webinar is free to attend, but places are limited.