"Its just a small pain, your still young, its nothing"

It is often a misconception by adults that the youth cannot suffer from chronic pain. Youth are presumed to be healthy, vibrant and well. However in actual fact, studies prove that over 38% of youth globally face chronic pain in isolation, yet it still a problem that is overlooked in society.  Adolescence can be a challenging time for everyone, but for those with chronic pain, it is especially difficult, with teens reporting feeling stigmatized by teachers, fellow students and parents, by singling them out amongst their peers. 

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As a teen suffering from chronic pain herself, I know first hand experience the challenges and limitations of with living with chronic pain. This is why I created Teen Pain Connect: to connect and support others like myself, in order to help them develop a sense of belonging and purpose, and to know that they are not alone in their battle. With the stigma surrounding chronic pain in youth, Teen Pain Connect further aims to address and raise awareness for this cause. 

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- Gem Ninsuvannakul, Founder of Teen Pain Connect