People with ms often find they have to make decisions about their future. This can include major life choices such as work and education, and also day-to-day activities.
Most people interviewed said they felt better when they could control their own lives. This meant taking responsibility for things they could control and not blaming themselves for their symptoms.
Getting help if you need it.
If you’re experiencing a flare-up or if you are feeling overwhelmed, it’s normal to want or need help. You can ask for support from family and friends, or you can seek out a health care professional or a support group. You can also try taking on smaller tasks over time rather than trying to do everything at once. This can make a task feel less overwhelming and may even give you the sense of achievement you need to keep going.
Most people who have MS report that fatigue is a big problem. Keeping in touch with loved ones, seeking out activities that keep the brain active and making sure to get enough sleep can all help with fatigue. It can also be helpful to take a nap if necessary. But be careful to limit the length of your naps to less than two hours, as overdoing it can increase fatigue.
It is also important to remember to take your medication. Forgetting to take a pill or missing an appointment can have serious consequences on your quality of life. If you’re worried about forgetting to take your medicine, consider setting up auto-refills with your pharmacy or having them text or call you when your prescription is ready for pickup.
Having a diagnosis of MS can have an impact on the choices you make in your daily life, whether that’s how much you exercise or who you choose to spend time with. It can also influence the decisions you make about your career or education. If you’re concerned that your MS might cause you to have to give up work or stop studying, it may be helpful to speak with a counselor or therapist who can provide you with individual guidance.
It’s not uncommon to worry about how your MS will affect your future, especially if you are still young. But it is possible to live well with MS and lead a fulfilling life, even if the condition worsens over time. It’s a complex disease and the symptoms can vary greatly from one person to another. Despite this, it’s worth trying to maintain a positive outlook and remember that there are plenty of other people who have had the same experiences as you.
Staying positive.
It’s important to try and stay positive even if you have your dark days. It can help you through the tough times, and it’s also good for your health. Having a positive outlook can help you fight the depression that sometimes comes with MS. You can keep your mental health on track by keeping up a healthy diet, exercising, and making sure to get enough sleep.
Having a support group can also be very helpful. Talking to others who have MS can make you feel like you are not alone. These people can understand how you are feeling better than family and friends who do not have the disease. They can also offer support and advice on how to cope with your symptoms.
You can also try to find ways to have a fun and fulfilling life while living with your condition. For example, you could start by making a bucket list and ticking things off as you go along. You can also try something new or do the things you enjoy most, such as travelling, gardening or taking up a hobby.
It’s also important to let family and friends know what is going on, so that they can help you if needed. You can decide when to tell them about your diagnosis, and you may want to choose not to say anything at all if that is what feels right for you. You should also make sure to let your employer know if you have MS, so that they can adjust the work environment or your schedule if necessary.
Trying to stay positive can be challenging, especially when you are having bad MS symptoms or when you think that your life isn’t what it used to be. But remember that your doctor can help you to manage your symptoms and get back to doing the things you love.
You can also look after yourself by eating a healthy diet, getting plenty of rest and exercise, cutting out smoking and reducing alcohol intake, and doing other self-care. You can also learn to say no and take a break when you need to.
Finding a support group.
If you have recently been diagnosed with MS, or have a long-standing chronic condition, it can be helpful to join a support group. A support group is a group of people who meet up (online or in person) to offer each other emotional and social support. These groups are often formed around a specific topic or experience, such as the death of a loved one, a disability, or addiction. Many people who are dealing with a health issue also turn to their family and friends for support, but this can be limiting when it comes to the amount of help they receive. Support groups can be a more open and honest way to get the help you need.
If the idea of joining a support group makes you nervous, try it for a couple weeks and see how you feel. If you do not like it, politely leave and find a different group to join. Support groups can be found through your doctor, local non-profit organizations, the National Institutes of Health website, and through social media sites such as Facebook.
When looking for a support group, consider how large you want the group to be. It’s usually best to keep the group small so that everyone feels comfortable and included. The more members there are, the harder it is to create a positive atmosphere where everyone is talking about their experiences and listening to others. It’s also important to choose someone to be the facilitator of the group. This person will be responsible for establishing the ground rules, creating a safe and respectful environment for all participants, and serving as timekeeper.
Most people in a support group report that the progression of their disease and potential future disability are the things they worry most about. In addition, they report that their emotional well-being, ability to cope with stress, and relationships with their family and friends have been negatively affected by their diagnosis. Those in a support group can help each other through these concerns and can provide tips and advice that may help.
Getting the right care.
People living with MS face a variety of challenges. Some are physical and others are emotional or psychological. The most important thing is to work with a healthcare team that understands your unique situation. The goal is to find a treatment regimen that works for you and that addresses all of your symptoms. It may take some time to find the right mix, but once you do, it will make life much more manageable.
Cognitive issues are very common in MS, and they can have a major impact on daily life. Many people struggle with memory, concentration and attention span. It’s a good idea to talk to your doctor about cognitive rehabilitation, which can help improve these issues. It’s also a good idea to ask your doctor about medications, such as Ritalin (methylphenidate), which can help with concentration and focus.
Emotional challenges can be a huge part of living with MS, and it’s important to seek support when needed. There are many ways to do this, including talking to a mental health professional and finding a support group. A strong support system can also help you cope with changes in lifestyle that are often a result of MS, such as having to stop working or changing the way you dress.
It’s also a good idea to let your family and friends know about your condition, as this can help them better understand what you are going through. It’s not always easy, and deciding who to tell and how much information to share can be difficult. However, many people who have MS find that their relationships become closer and more supportive once they begin to communicate about the disease.
People with MS who work full-time sometimes worry that they’ll have to give up their jobs, but it is generally possible to continue working by requesting accommodations from employers, which are protected under the Americans with Disabilities Act. In addition to making a few workplace adjustments, it’s helpful for people with MS to maintain a healthy diet and exercise, stay hydrated, limit exposure to heat (especially in the form of hot showers or baths) and drink alcohol sensibly.
