Warning: This episode contains stories about suicide. We are adding a strong trigger warning for those who may be affected by this content. If you are having suicidal thoughts, please always have the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline number on hand. That number is 800-273-8255.

Almost every chronic pain patient will, at some point, have suicidal thoughts. This is the shadow of pain that we often don’t talk about. Patients may find this shameful, and therefore hide it. We believe that by casting light on this issue, we can open a dialogue and bring this dark, physical and emotional pain out of the shadows. It is very important that the patient’s loved ones understand this side of chronic pain. Recognition decreases isolation. Hold on, pain ends.