Today is World Mental Health Day and the WHO is launching a campaign around the theme of ‘Our minds, our rights.’ The Day is an opportunity for people with mental health conditions, advocates, governments, employers, employees and other stakeholders to come together to recognize progress in this field and raise awareness of what needs to be done to improve the lives of people with mental health problems.
Pain and mental health (e.g., depression, stress, anxiety) are frequently comorbid. In fact, of pathologies with high co-occurrence, chronic pain and mood disorders rank first, with a 30-60% comorbidity rate. Strong evidence shows that pain and mood disorders do more than co-occur, they also promote the development of each other and negatively impact the treatment success of each pathology.
Under the umbrella of the Societal Impact of Pain (SIP) Platform, a gathering of ten European professional and patient organisations have developed a Joint Statement on the close link between pain and mental health. The nine recommendations call upon EU and national policy makers to ensure a range of aspects related to pain and mental health are acknowledged in health policy. Find out more here.
The EFIC Academy Education Platform includes extensive content on the assessment and treatment of mental health issues in patients with pain for physicians, physiotherapists, nurses, and psychologists. Learners will be able to pursue self-directed learning or follow specific tracks relevant to needs. Access is limited to Academy members only.
- Biologicals in chronic pain management, David Walsh
- Results of the OPTION DM trial, Solomon Tesfaye
- Phenotyping: Ready to implement in clinical practice? Thomas Tölle
- Role of Sleep Hygiene and Stress Management in Pain Prevention, Anne Söderlund
For more information and to access the comprehensive well-being resources relating to World Mental Health Day, visit https://www.who.int/campaigns/world-mental-health-day/2023
