No One Should Face Pain Alone: Wear it Red for Pain on 19 September
18 September 2025
No One Should Face Pain Alone: Wear it Red for Pain on 19 September
This 19 September, Painaustralia invites Australians to join Wear it Red for Pain as part of International Pain Awareness Month. With chronic pain affecting around 3.6 million Australians, this national initiative aims to raise awareness, break down stigma, and make sure people living with pain feel seen, heard, and supported.
Pharmacies across the country will also be participating by wearing red, displaying campaign resources, and helping to start important conversations about the reality of living with chronic pain.
Painaustralia CEO Monika Boogs said that chronic pain is often invisible, yet its impacts are real: emotional, social, and economic. “One in five Australian adults live with pain, that could be your neighbour, a family member, someone on the bus or train sitting next to you or a colleague at work.
“The invisibility of chronic pain means too many people feel misunderstood, dismissed, or afraid to speak up in case they are seen as weak or complaining. Wear it Red for Pain is about showing people living with pain that they are not alone, that their experiences are real, and that there is support available.”
As our Consumer Advisory Group member Amie explains “Pain is not just physical – it impacts every aspect of our life, from how we manage our pain, how we treat our pain, our social dynamics, our mental health, our emotional health. You are not alone. You are not a failure. You aren’t weak. Please don’t feel disheartened, don’t sit in guilt and shame; it has no place. Seek guidance and support. Don’t do it alone.”
By wearing red and demonstrating support, we can make pain visible and ensure that every person living with pain feels believed, understood, and able to seek help from their health professionals.
“Making pain visible is a vital step toward changing attitudes, improving care, and ensuring government policy reflects the lived experience of those affected,” Ms Boogs said.
Wear it Red for Pain details:
- When: Friday, 19 September 2025
- What: Wear red to show support for Australians living with chronic pain
- Where: Nationwide – including participating pharmacies
- More information: https://www.painaustralia.org.au/wr4p
About Painaustralia
Painaustralia is the national peak pain advocacy body dedicated to improving the well-being of people living with pain.
Media enquiries please contact Monika Boogs on 0419 423 603.