International Pain Awareness Month 2025

September is International Pain Awareness Month, an annual global campaign to help spread awareness of issues related to pain.

The US Pain Foundation initiative has been supported by the International Association for the Study of Pain and Painaustralia has taken part over the past several years holding events and raising awareness of the impacts of chronic pain on the 3.6 million Australians whose lives are affected. For more information see Pain Awareness Month - International Association for the Study of Pain (IASP)

Living with chronic pain can be exhausting. It’s often invisible, hard to describe, and challenging even for those who want to help. While research and treatments are improving, many people still struggle to be heard and understood.

This year, Painaustralia is marking International Pain Awareness Month as a chance to highlight the truly devastating impacts of chronic pain, raise awareness, and encourage people living with pain to speak up, seek support, and start conversations about their experiences.

We’ve developed a range of resources and are hosting two key events.

Wear it Red for Pain – 19 September 2025
Pharmacies across Australia are joining Painaustralia to raise awareness of chronic pain. Pharmacists will display resources, wear red, and encourage conversations with people living with pain. It’s a simple but powerful way to show support and help people feel less isolated.
Morning Tea with RSI ACT – 9 September, Canberra
In partnership with RSI ACT, we’re hosting a free public morning tea to discuss chronic pain and overuse injuries. Anyone in Canberra and surrounding areas is welcome to attend. RSVP at admin@rsi.org.au to join us.
Launch of the MPaCT Survey – My Pain Assessment Communication Tool
In partnership with Dragon Claw Charity and Pain Education and Management, we’re a running a survey on a draft tool that has been developed by consumers in both Canada and Australia called MPaCT. This tool has been designed to help people communicate how pain impacts their daily life, particularly when speaking to a GP or health professional. You can prepare for appointments, track experiences, and ensure your healthcare team understands what you are experiencing and the impacts. We invite you to download the tool and provide feedback via our survey (link below).

Your voice matters. Your pain matters.

Together, we can break down stigma, raise awareness, and support Australians living with chronic pain to be seen, heard, and understood.