Do people with chronic pain or disability prefer to stay away?

It can be an isolating experience to be suffering from chronic pain and often sufferers don’t think that anyone understands them and it can be easier to retreat. It is also hard when you can’t function the way that you used to, which can limit social interactions and the desire to go out. Depression from pain is also a very real outcome so support from friends and family is essential.

I think this depends on the day & what kind of chronic pain someone has. Me personally, there are some days where I do prefer to keep to myself, stay in bed or not leave the house. Sometimes the pain makes it too unbearable to move around, walk, or do basic tasks like sitting in a chair or taking a shower. Other days, my pain is manageable. I generally think of myself as someone who prefers to be with others, out in my community, and not at home (I sometimes refer to myself as the opposite of a homebody). So, as a general statement I would say that no, I don't prefer to stay away, I prefer to be connected with my friends and my community.