Pain Alliance Europe represents the chronic pain community across Europe. Through our EU-wide surveys, we aim to identify the gaps and unmet needs of people living with chronic pain, including those who also experience mental health conditions. The data collected and analyzed through this initiative can be leveraged both at national and EU levels by our member organizations—patient advocacy groups—to represent the voices of people with lived experience. This evidence strengthens advocacy efforts for greater visibility, equity, inclusion, and increased awareness among all relevant stakeholders of the substantial burden caused by chronic pain and mental health challenges.
Self-management is a person-centred approach that empowers individuals to take an active role in managing their symptoms, treatments, and the impact of chronic conditions on their daily lives. It is an essential part of living well with chronic pain and co-occurring mental health issues. By supporting self-management strategies, healthcare systems can foster greater autonomy, improve health outcomes, and reduce the strain on services—particularly when these strategies are tailored to the individual’s cultural, psychological, and social context.
We strongly encourage broad participation in this survey to ensure we collect robust, representative data. With sufficient responses, we will be able to produce a comprehensive report that highlights the realities faced by people living with chronic pain and mental health conditions. This report will form the foundation for an advocacy toolkit aimed at promoting the urgent need to make chronic pain a priority for key stakeholders across the EU. Our ultimate goal is to ensure that the voices of patients are not only heard but actively included in shared decision-making processes that shape health policy and care delivery.
Take part in our Survey today! PAEs Chronic Pain, Mental Health and Self-Management Survey
