From Stigma to Support: Rethinking Chronic Pain.

On October 19, 2025 (Sunday) at 8:00 PM IST, Enable Education organized a thought-provoking webinar titled “From Stigma to Support: Rethinking Chronic Pain.” The virtual session was hosted via Google Meet, featuring Dr. Anubha Mahajan, Founder of Chronic Pain India. The conversation was moderated and introduced by Ms. Aarushi, Founder of Enable Education.

Dr. Mahajan began by reflecting on her personal journey with chronic pain, recounting how her initial diagnosis was met with confusion and disbelief. She described living with Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS)—a condition first documented during World War II—and the emotional struggle of realizing it would not be a temporary phase. She recalled how even close family members, including her mother, initially dismissed the seriousness of her pain. Over time, as the condition progressed, her family’s understanding evolved, transforming sympathy into true empathy.

The discussion then moved toward the importance of communication and acceptance—within families, workplaces, and educational spaces. Dr. Mahajan emphasized that empathy is meaningful only when accompanied by a safe and supportive environment. She spoke about the fear many families experience around medical systems and how awareness, rather than avoidance, builds confidence and compassion.

Addressing educators and students, she urged them to recognize the role of teachers in supporting learners with invisible disabilities. She shared examples from her own childhood and reflected on how societal attitudes toward disability have changed. “Earlier, our gurus taught us patience and empathy—today, that part of education is missing,” she noted. She also highlighted how her helpline, run through Chronic Pain India, assists teenagers facing trauma or chronic conditions, often hidden from schools and families. According to her, open conversations and a climate of trust are crucial for inclusion.

The session further explored the stigma surrounding invisible disabilities—where frequent absences, exhaustion, or behavioral changes are often misunderstood. Dr. Mahajan emphasized that inclusivity in classrooms can only emerge when both educators and parents understand the reasons behind such patterns. “Teachers play a major role; they can either create safe spaces or deepen isolation,” she said.

During the dialogue, she also discussed Pain Awareness Month (September) and the importance of shifting chronic pain from being “invisible to visible.” Sharing her experiences from India’s first national conference in Goa, she mentioned how a participant, Kavya, beautifully coined the phrase “From Invisible to Visible.” This became a guiding message for her advocacy—encouraging people to share their stories and normalize conversations around pain, even without revealing their faces.

On systemic change, Dr. Mahajan touched upon several government initiatives such as Ayushman Bharat, Jan Aushadhi Kendras, and e-Sanjeevani teleconsultation services. While acknowledging these as important steps, she questioned their practical implementation and accessibility for those with chronic conditions. “Policy change is not enough—we must see how it works on the ground,” she emphasized, encouraging attendees to hold systems accountable and participate actively in reform.

The discussion also explored art therapy and applied theatre as tools for emotional healing and expression. Dr. Mahajan, who has been involved with the Theatre of the Oppressed, explained how creative spaces can help individuals confront oppression, express unspoken pain, and rebuild self-acceptance. She shared impactful moments from workshops, including one conducted with ground staff members in Dubai, where silence-based exercises revealed deep empathy and understanding beyond words.

In the latter part of the session, she discussed the link between mental health and physical pain, calling for collaboration between doctors, NGOs, and educators to amplify awareness. “Pain and mind are connected. If doctors, NGOs, and youth come together and speak up, we can truly make the invisible visible,” she said.

Team member Revti also shared a personal reflection about her mother, realizing only recently the extent of her struggles with pain—an emotional moment that highlighted the importance of awareness within families.

The event concluded with heartfelt gratitude from Ms. Aarushi, who thanked the speaker for her insights and empathy. She appreciated Dr. Mahajan for joining despite her personal challenges that day and reaffirmed Enable Education’s commitment to fostering inclusion and dialogue around invisible disabilities.