How TV Portrays Chronic Pain - The Chronic Misrepresentation of Chronic Pain in Media

This post was originally posted on Blogger December 15, 2024.

Chronic pain. It's an invisible illness that affects millions, yet it's often misunderstood and misrepresented in television, movies, and media. From the "drug-seeking addict" to the "hysterical woman," harmful stereotypes abound, leaving those with lived experience feeling unseen and unheard. Unlike a visible illness or injury, such as a broken leg or a cast, chronic pain often lacks external indicators. This invisibility can make it difficult for others to understand the severity and impact of the condition, leading to dismissal and disbelief. This lack of understanding can be isolating for those living with chronic pain, as their suffering may be minimized or ignored.

Here are some examples of where chronic pain is misrepresented in media:

• Movies:

  • The Diving Bell and the Butterfly: While this film accurately portrays the physical limitations of locked-in syndrome, it doesn't fully explore the potential for chronic pain that can accompany this condition.

  • Million Dollar Baby: The film focuses on the physical trauma of a boxing injury but neglects the potential for long-term chronic pain that the protagonist might experience.

• TV Shows:

  • Grey's Anatomy: While the show sometimes touches on chronic pain, it often focuses on the acute pain of injuries and surgeries, neglecting the ongoing struggles of those with chronic conditions.

  • Law & Order: Special Victims Unit: This show often portrays victims of violence as recovering quickly from their physical injuries, downplaying the potential for long-term chronic pain.

  • New Amsterdam: I’m watching the first season of this episode, and while this is not entirely about chronic pain, the medical director of the hospital has throat cancer and receives chemo and radiation and is still able to work full time, long hours, which is not at all reflective of actually having chemo and radiation. My very good friend from childhood went through cancer treatments and it took the life right out of her. A few years later and she’s still battling the effects of it.

• News Media:

  • Sensationalized stories about "miracle cures" for chronic pain can give false hope and downplay the complexity of the condition.

  • News coverage of the opioid crisis sometimes focuses on addiction without acknowledging the legitimate needs of those with chronic pain.

Remember, these are just a few examples, and the misrepresentation of chronic pain can take many forms. It's important to be critical of the media you consume and to advocate for accurate and empathetic portrayals of chronic pain.

The "Drug-Seeking Addict" Trope

One of the most pervasive and damaging stereotypes is the portrayal of chronic pain sufferers as desperate drug addicts. This trope is often used for dramatic effect, but it perpetuates the false narrative that people with chronic pain are simply seeking a fix.

• Examples:

  • House M.D.: Dr. House himself, while a brilliant diagnostician, often dismisses patients' pain and accuses them of malingering for prescription opioids.
  • Pain Killer: This Netflix limited series, while attempting to expose the opioid crisis, sometimes falls into the trap of portraying those with chronic pain as complicit in their addiction.

Here are some additional examples of the "drug-seeking addict" trope in media:

TV:

• Nurse Jackie: The protagonist, a nurse with chronic back pain, becomes addicted to prescription painkillers and engages in manipulative behaviors to obtain them.

• Breaking Bad: While the show doesn't explicitly focus on chronic pain, the character of Walter White uses his cancer diagnosis as a justification for his drug-related activities, perpetuating the association between illness and drug-seeking behavior.

Movies:

• Requiem for a Dream: This film portrays a character with chronic pain who becomes addicted to prescription opioids, leading to a downward spiral of addiction and despair.

• Dopesick: This Hulu series, while aiming to expose the opioid crisis, sometimes falls into the trap of portraying individuals with chronic pain as solely responsible for their addiction.

News Media:

• Sensationalized stories: News stories about "pill mills" and "doctor shoppers" often focus on the criminal aspects of prescription drug abuse, neglecting the complex factors that contribute to addiction and the legitimate needs of those with chronic pain.

• Biased reporting: Some news coverage of the opioid crisis focuses heavily on the dangers of prescription painkillers, creating a climate of fear and mistrust around these medications.

Why This Myth is So Damaging:

The "drug-seeking addict" trope is incredibly harmful to people with chronic pain because it:

• Perpetuates stigma: It reinforces the false belief that people with chronic pain are untrustworthy and manipulative, leading to discrimination and prejudice.

• Creates barriers to care: Healthcare providers may be hesitant to prescribe necessary pain medication, fearing that their patients will become addicted.

• Leads to undertreatment: Fear of addiction and stigma can lead individuals with chronic pain to avoid seeking treatment or to underreport their pain levels.

• Increases isolation: The myth can cause friends and family to doubt the legitimacy of a person's pain, leading to feelings of isolation and loneliness.

• Internalizes shame: People with chronic pain may internalize these negative stereotypes, leading to feelings of shame, guilt, and self-doubt.

Ultimately, the "drug-seeking addict" myth undermines the trust between patients and healthcare providers, making it more difficult for people with chronic pain to receive the care they need and deserve. It fuels the stigma surrounding chronic pain and addiction, making it harder for individuals to seek help and support.

Why This is Harmful:

This portrayal is not only inaccurate but also stigmatizing. It reinforces the idea that people with chronic pain are not to be trusted and that their pain is not real. This can lead to real-world consequences, such as:

• Difficulty accessing appropriate medical care: Doctors may be hesitant to prescribe necessary pain medication for fear of contributing to addiction.
• Social isolation: Friends and family may doubt the person's experience, leading to feelings of loneliness and isolation.
• Internalized stigma: People with chronic pain may start to believe the negative stereotypes themselves, leading to shame and self-doubt.

The Profound Harm of Inaccurate Portrayals

The consequences of these inaccurate portrayals extend far beyond mere annoyance. They inflict real harm on individuals grappling with chronic pain. The constant association with addiction fosters a climate of suspicion and judgment, making it incredibly challenging for people to seek the help they desperately need. Healthcare professionals, influenced by pervasive stereotypes, may become hesitant to prescribe essential pain medications, even in cases where they are genuinely necessary. This can lead to a devastating cycle of undertreatment, where individuals are left to suffer needlessly, their pain dismissed as exaggerated or fabricated.

The Reality:

The vast majority of people with chronic pain use their medications responsibly. Addiction is a complex issue with multiple contributing factors, and it's inaccurate and unfair to blame it solely on chronic pain.

Opiates: A Necessary Tool, Not a Moral Failing

For some individuals with chronic pain, opiates are not a gateway to addiction but a lifeline to a functional life. Just as someone with high blood pressure relies on medication to manage their condition, individuals with chronic pain may require opiates to control their symptoms and regain a semblance of normalcy. When used responsibly and under the guidance of a healthcare professional, the risks associated with opiates can be significantly mitigated.

Statistics on Responsible Opiate Use

Studies have shown that the risk of addiction when taking opiates as prescribed is relatively low. According to a 2018 study published in the journal Pain, the overall risk of addiction among patients prescribed opioids for chronic pain is estimated to be around 8-12%. Furthermore, research suggests that the risk of overdose is significantly higher among individuals who obtain opioids illicitly compared to those who receive them through a legitimate prescription.

It's crucial to remember that addiction is a complex issue with various contributing factors, and chronic pain is just one piece of the puzzle. By perpetuating harmful stereotypes and misrepresenting the experiences of those with chronic pain, the media not only hinders access to proper care but also perpetuates a cycle of suffering and stigma. It's time to shift the narrative and recognize that responsible opiate use can be a legitimate and necessary tool for managing chronic pain.

Other Harmful Stereotypes:

• The "Hysterical Woman": Women with chronic pain are often portrayed as overly emotional and dramatic, their pain dismissed as "all in their heads."
• The "Weakling": Characters with chronic pain are often shown as unable to cope with everyday life, reinforcing the idea that chronic pain is a sign of weakness.

Here are some additional harmful stereotypes about chronic pain often portrayed in the media, along with a deeper look at their implications:

• The Lazy Malingerer: This stereotype depicts individuals with chronic pain as avoiding work or responsibilities, implying they are using their condition as an excuse. This harmful portrayal disregards the immense effort it takes for many individuals with chronic pain to simply get through the day. It minimizes their struggles and can lead to judgment and discrimination in the workplace and social settings.

• The Stoic Superhero: On the other end of the spectrum, some characters with chronic pain are portrayed as overcoming their condition through sheer willpower or by ignoring their pain altogether. This unrealistic depiction can create pressure for individuals with chronic pain to "push through" their symptoms, potentially worsening their condition and leading to feelings of inadequacy if they cannot meet these unrealistic expectations.

• The Bitter and Angry Victim: This stereotype portrays individuals with chronic pain as perpetually resentful and angry about their condition. While anger and frustration are understandable emotions for anyone dealing with chronic pain, this one-dimensional portrayal ignores the complexity of their emotional experiences and can further isolate them from support systems.

• The Attention Seeker: This harmful stereotype suggests that individuals with chronic pain are exaggerating their symptoms for sympathy or attention. This not only invalidates their experiences but can also lead to distrust and skepticism from loved ones and healthcare providers.

• The Burden: This portrayal paints individuals with chronic pain as a burden on their families and society. This can lead to feelings of guilt and worthlessness in those with chronic pain, and it can also discourage them from seeking the help and support they need.

Remember, these are just a few examples, and harmful stereotypes about chronic pain can manifest in many subtle ways. It's important to be aware of these portrayals and to challenge them whenever possible. By promoting accurate and empathetic representations of chronic pain, we can help to break down stigma and create a more supportive environment for those living with this condition.

Why Does Media Portray Chronic Pain This Way?

There are several reasons why these harmful stereotypes persist:

• Lack of understanding: Many writers and producers simply don't understand the complexities of chronic pain.
• Drama and conflict: Chronic pain can be difficult to portray visually, so writers may rely on stereotypes to create drama and conflict.
• Stigma: The stigma surrounding chronic pain and addiction is deeply ingrained in society, and media often reflects these biases.

Accurate Portrayals of Chronic Pain:

While negative stereotypes dominate, there are some instances where media has accurately portrayed the challenges of living with chronic pain. Unfortunately, in my research I could not find a lot of examples:

• Five Feet Apart: This film, while fictionalized, touches on the emotional and social impact of chronic illness, including the isolation and frustration that can accompany it.
• Brain on Fire: This film, based on a true story, depicts the diagnostic odyssey that many people with chronic pain experience.
• Casual: This Hulu series features a character with fibromyalgia, and it realistically portrays the daily struggles and invisible nature of this condition.

Moving Forward:

It's crucial for media to move away from harmful stereotypes and portray chronic pain with accuracy and empathy. This can help to reduce stigma, increase understanding, and ultimately improve the lives of those living with this invisible illness.

Here are some ways that chronic pain can be better represented on TV, movies, and the media:

• Focus on the individual's experience: Instead of relying on stereotypes, portray the unique challenges and experiences of individuals living with chronic pain. Show how it affects their daily lives, relationships, and emotional well-being.

• Avoid sensationalism and stereotypes: Move away from portraying people with chronic pain as drug-seeking addicts or hysterical individuals. Show the complexity of their experiences and the diverse ways they manage their pain.

• Highlight the invisible nature of chronic pain: Emphasize the fact that chronic pain often lacks external indicators, making it difficult for others to understand. This can be done through internal monologues, conversations with loved ones, or creative visual metaphors.

• Show the diversity of chronic pain conditions: Chronic pain can stem from various conditions, such as fibromyalgia, arthritis, or neuropathy, and in my case Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS). Representing this diversity can help viewers understand the broad spectrum of chronic pain experiences.

• Include accurate medical information: Consult with medical professionals and individuals with lived experience to ensure the portrayal of chronic pain is medically accurate and reflects the latest research.

• Promote empathy and understanding: Encourage viewers to see the world through the eyes of someone with chronic pain. This can help to break down stigma and create a more supportive environment.

• Showcase a variety of coping mechanisms: Highlight the different ways people manage chronic pain, including medication, physical therapy, mindfulness practices, and alternative therapies. My favourite is of course arts and crafts.

• Portray positive outcomes: While chronic pain can be challenging, it's important to show that people can still lead fulfilling lives. Include stories of resilience, hope, and the positive impact of support systems.

By incorporating these suggestions, the media can play a vital role in educating the public about chronic pain, reducing stigma, and fostering a more compassionate and inclusive society.

What can you do?

• Challenge stereotypes: When you see harmful portrayals of chronic pain in media, speak up!
• Support accurate representation: Share positive examples of media that accurately depict chronic pain.
• Educate yourself and others: Learn more about chronic pain and help to spread awareness.

In conclusion, the misrepresentation of chronic pain in TV, movies and the media has far-reaching and damaging consequences forhose living with this invisible illness. From the harmful "drug-seeking addict" trope to the dismissive "hysterical woman" stereotype, these inaccurate portrayals perpetuate stigma, create barriers to care, and fuel misunderstanding. It's crucial to remember that chronic pain is a complex and multifaceted experience, and responsible opiate use can be a legitimate tool for managing its debilitating effects.

As a society, we must challenge these harmful stereotypes and advocate for accurate and empathetic representations of chronic pain in media. By fostering understanding and compassion, we can create a more supportive environment for those living with chronic pain, allowing them to access the care they need and deserve. We can all play a role in breaking down these barriers by educating ourselves and others, challenging harmful stereotypes when we encounter them, and supporting media that portrays chronic pain with accuracy and empathy. Together, we can create a world where those with chronic pain are seen, heard, and supported on their journey to a better quality of life.

By working together, we can create a more compassionate and understanding world for those living with chronic pain.