HPD Webinar:
“Chronic Pain and Depression: Understanding the Connection”
About the webinar:
Chronic pain and depression are two of the most prevalent and disabling health conditions worldwide, often occurring together in a cycle that worsens both physical and mental well-being. This webinar will shine a light on the bidirectional relationship between pain and depression, showing how each condition amplifies the other and creates barriers to recovery, productivity, and quality of life.
Drawing on research with garment workers in Cape Town, as well as broader evidence from occupational health, we will explore practical strategies for rehabilitation, mental health promotion, and workplace interventions that address both conditions simultaneously. By combining clinical insights with lived realities, the webinar aims to make complex research accessible, while offering practical approaches for health professionals, employers and health advocates seeking to break the cycle of suffering.
Webinar Details:
Date: 12 March 2026
Time: 13:00 – 14:00
1 General CPD Point
Online | Free
Learning Outcomes:
- Gain a deeper understanding of the mechanisms linking chronic pain and depression.
- Explore the impact of co-occurring pain and depression in marginalised workforces.
- Learn about workplace-based rehabilitation strategies that address both physical and psychological dimensions of health.
- Reflect on how interdisciplinary approaches can foster resilience, dignity, and improved outcomes for workers living with pain and depression.
- Consider practical examples of interventions that integrate mental health promotion with pain management in resource-constrained environments.
Munira Hoosain
Presenter
Munira Hoosain is a senior lecturer in the Division of Occupational Therapy at Stellenbosch University. She specialises in workplace-based rehabilitation, with a focus on garment workers experiencing chronic pain and depression. Munira has developed workplace rehabilitation services in Cape Town’s clothing factories, optimising collaboration across disciplines to improve outcomes for marginalised workers. Her work blends rigorous research with narrative advocacy, making policy and health interventions accessible and emotionally resonant.