Video series in collaboration with Jean Campbell
Supermodel and podcast host meets with our researchers to explore the way pain presents across different health conditions
We collaborated with British model and chronic pain advocate Jean Campbell, host of ‘I’m Fine’ podcast, to meet with three of our Foundation-funded researchers - having honest and impactful conversations about misunderstood health conditions and how pain manifests in each.
The series covered attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), depression and pelvic pain, including endometriosis. It raised awareness about symptoms, diagnostics, risk factors, demographics and treatment options. Additionally, it shed light on the realities for individuals living with these health challenges, and debunked common misconceptions.
Jean has experienced chronic pain herself, which began at the age of 12 following a skiing accident. This incident revealed a genetic condition called hip dysplasia, which progressively worsened. Despite undergoing numerous surgeries and procedures, Jean managed to balance her rising career in fashion and modelling with her school exams. It was a challenging and often isolating time, and the journey to a pain-free life seemed distant and unattainable.
Over time, she found ways to accept her health challenges as well as solutions both physically and mentally to ease her pain. These experiences inspired her to start ‘I’m Fine’ podcast, where she hosts empowering and vulnerable conversations about personal stories related to pain, health struggles, and the realities of living with pain. The podcast aims to help listeners find ways to live beyond their pain, cultivating a space of possibility, positivity, and guidance.
With her lived experience as a driving force behind her passion for addressing pain, we were thrilled to collaborate with her on this series.
Episode 1: Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and the links to pain
Jean spoke with Dr Aja Murray, a researcher and lecturer in psychology at the University of Edinburgh. Funded by the Medical Research Foundation, her research focuses on attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), particularly during adolescence, as well as its co-occurrence with mental health conditions like anxiety and depression.
“We know that people with ADHD are much more likely to experience pain”
Jean and Dr Murray discussed ADHD symptoms like difficulty concentrating, hyperactivity and impulsivity. Dr Murray explained that “people with ADHD are much more likely to experience pain,” due to higher levels of inflammation in the nervous system and the brain’s need for high muscle tone, causing fatigue and pain. Psychologically, Dr Murray adds that people with ADHD “might have more difficulties with disengaging their attention from pain.”
Episode 2: The risk factors, symptoms, and treatments for depression
Jean visited Dr Joni Coleman , a Senior Lecturer in Statistical Genetics at the Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience at King’s College London, to discuss depression and how factors such as genetics, environment and trauma shape mental health.
Dr Coleman explained prevalence of depression on a global scale, estimating that globally, 4-5% of people are currently experiencing depression. They discussed symptoms, associated risk factors and the different ways in which someone can experience depression.
They concluded their discussion talking about different treatments and therapies available, emphasising the importance of reaching out to someone if you are struggling.
Episode 3: Pelvic pain in women: endometriosis, period pain and more
Jean met with Professor Katy Vincent, an NHS Consultant Gynaecologist and researcher at the University of Oxford, to discuss pelvic pain in women.
They delved into conditions such as endometriosis and adenomyosis. They also explored the conversation surrounding period pain in schools, highlighting that the focus on contraceptive treatments and period management overshadows the primary goal of treating period pain itself.
“I would really love that we treated pain for the sake of pain”
Professor Vincent says, “I would really love that we treated pain for the sake of pain, rather than having to look for a diagnosis, because I think we waste so much time trying to find a cause for it, rather than saying ‘actually, we have things that we can treat it for quickly.'"
