Once you discover that you’ve been diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis, it may feel like the world is crumbling around you. But MS is not the end of the world. Yes, it will require you to reassess your life, your career, and your goals, but it does not mean you will be forced to give up on all of the things you love to do for the sake of your diagnosis.
Many people diagnosed with MS continue to lead full, healthy, and adventurous lives with MS, and they’ll tell you that one of the best tricks is to stay positive. The following tips will help you stay positive after an MS diagnosis and how to share this positive attitude with others.
Find a doctor you like and work closely together
The more you know about your diagnosis, the more likely you are to predict symptom outbreaks and how you’re going to feel throughout the day. When you remove the element of surprise and know what’s coming in regards to your MS, your days will be much less stressful.
Knowledge is power, so find a doctor you like and ask them questions so you can learn as much as you can. You can also reach out to them if you are feeling depressed or overwhelmed by your symptoms. They will be able to direct you and your family to resources that can help you understand the emotional and physical changes that come with an MS diagnosis.
Stay on top of ongoing MS research
Consider asking your doctor about MS research communities and medical journals so that you can stay on top of pharmaceutical breakthroughs and therapies that may benefit you. The medical community is constantly researching MS and discovering new drugs and therapies that alleviate symptoms and reduce the likelihood of outbreaks. You may find comfort in knowing that a team of doctors and researchers is consistently updating the MS databanks with information.
The more you know about your diagnosis, the less likely you are to feel anxious and overwhelmed. You can stay in the loop by joining medical communities and journals online that regularly publish reports on MS research.
Get Involved!
You’ll find that as you read through online medical journals and communities, MS has a large support group all over the globe. Use your doctor to find support groups and facilities in your neighborhood. However, you should also take advantage of the Internet when it comes to finding ways to stay positive.
Talking about the terrible days, the negative feelings, and the overwhelming stress is a healthy release that will help you stay positive with your MS, and doing so online can be very therapeutic.
The anonymity of blogs and message boards can give you the opportunity to express and release negative emotions and thoughts without frightening anyone in your family or direct social circle. It can also give you the chance to help others with MS. If you have tricks or therapies that work well for you, sharing these tips with others can benefit everyone.
Rest & Relax
Finally, with all of your doctor’s appointments, research, and blogging – along with your regular work schedule – you need to find time to rest and relax. Relaxation and meditation are often very beneficial for patients suffering from MS, as high-stress and high-activity environments can exacerbate symptoms.
Don’t let yourself become overwhelmed, so always take a breather when you feel the need for it. Consider shortening your work week and/or sleeping in most mornings in order to feel fully rejuvenated. Being tired, stressed, or overwhelmed can lead to bad moods and negative feelings, so make sure you stay rested and relaxed in order to stay positive. If you feel yourself crashing, don’t be ashamed to take a nap or a short break. Simply sitting down and taking a few deep breaths can work wonders for your attitude and your physical well-being.
In conclusion
These few tips should help you stay positive with your MS diagnosis, and you will find that having a more upbeat attitude reduces your symptoms and helps you maintain a healthy and active lifestyle. There will always be bad days when you may not leave the house or even get out of bed, but people without MS get those too, so there’s no reason you can’t take a day for yourself.
Your MS may also change plans, but don’t let that put a damper on your mood either. Always have a backup plan, and continue to learn about your diagnosis. The more you know the more you’ll be able to communicate with friends and family and help them to understand why you feel the way you feel on certain days.