The MS diagnosis is just the beginning. Now, you have to start dealing with MS. Navigating your MS diagnosis and treatment is certainly part of the adjustment, but it’s not the only thing that should be on your radar in these first few months. Read on to learn what to do when you’ve recently been diagnosed with MS.

Empower Yourself

First thing’s first - take a breath. Give yourself some time to come to terms with your diagnosis. It’s okay if it takes days or even weeks to fully accept MS as a part of your life. Be easy on yourself and don’t feel like you have to rush into anything. Do research online about living with MS. Make time to do the things that bring you happiness. And most of all, stay positive. You can live a full life with a multiple sclerosis diagnosis, so don’t let getting diagnosed with MS stop you from making plans or having dreams.

Activate Your Support Network

You are going to need your support network as you navigate through your MS diagnosis and treatment, but don’t feel like you have to tell everybody all at once. Tell the people in your life as you feel ready, but don’t put it off longer than you have to. Your support network will help you adjust to living with MS and will be able to provide help when you need it, especially during flare-ups. Just as importantly, they will be able to support you emotionally during this time of transition. Whether you choose to tell your family and friends immediately or not, look into local and online MS support groups. In these settings, you’ll be able to talk with other people living with MS. All of them have been where you are, and they will be able to help you through the transition. Plus, they are a wealth of information for different treatment options and tips and tricks for dealing with MS.

Dealing With MS

As you adjust to life after your MS diagnosis, you will naturally start to discuss treatment options with your doctor and the other people in your life. Because every person experiences MS differently, your support group and the internet are great places to find new ways that people are dealing with MS. Consider eating an MS diet, taking natural supplements, and other ways of dealing with MS alongside prescription treatment options. You’d be surprised how much of an impact your lifestyle routines can have on MS symptoms. Don’t feel like you have to figure out everything at once. It will take some time for you to find the best way to manage your symptoms. For now, just settle on a path that fits your goals, symptoms, and lifestyle and be open to changes in the future.

Above all else, be patient with yourself, your body, and the people around you. This transition period can be stressful, but at least now you know what you are up against. Knowledge is power, and now you can start making changes to feel better. Hang in there; you’ve got this!