Suffering can lead to unforeseen social consequences. Image courtesy Rene Asmussen In my time as a psychiatry doctor, I have met hundreds of patients. All of them have stories, lives, and experiences. One crucial part of understanding the cause of someone's suffering is to reconsider what it means to see its impact outside of any diagnostic ideology. In short, to consider suffering in a social domain. The social understanding of suffering We all have friends, family, and roles in the world.