New high school class supports Alberta students with chronic pain

EDMONTON — A new class is being offered in Alberta high schools to help students who live with chronic pain.

Chronic Pain 35 is a 10-week cognitive behavioural therapy class run through the Stollery Children’s Hospital. The first-of-its kind program in Alberta is worth three high school credits for Grade 12 students.

According to experts at the Stollery, students with chronic pain often struggle to accumulate enough credits to graduate with their peers. Many students will have to take summer school or online classes just to get enough credits to receive their diploma.

“Chronic pain can have a major impact on adolescent social development and school functioning,” said Kathy Reid, a nurse practitioner with Stollery Pediatric Chronic Pain Services.

“It is critical that adolescents be provided with the opportunity to continue to learn despite experiencing pain. Having a class filled with students who can relate to each other’s chronic pain has also led to friendship and peer support that extends beyond the classroom.”

Chronic Pain 35 teaches students more about their pain and how to manage it through relaxation techniques. Students are also taught how to pace their activities, deal with mood and negative thoughts and improve their sleep and diet.

“Courses like the Stollery’s Chronic Pain 35 program are great examples of how students, parents and teachers are innovating and developing solutions that help students reach graduation and improve their future,” said Education Minister David Eggen.

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Bailey Voltner, 17, has been experiencing pain in her back, shoulders and neck for three years. While she’s excited about the credits that come along with the course, what’s helped her the most is meeting people her own age who know what she’s going through.

“Your teachers or friends try to be sympathetic, but you feel like no one really understands what you are going through. Being in a room with other teenagers who can relate to you made me realize I am not alone, and the course has motivated me to deal with my obstacles in a different way,” she said.

Students can take the course at the Stollery, at home or at school through video conferencing.

The class has been offered at the Stollery for the past seven years, but was approved as a high school credit course by Alberta Education last February.