Support
Self Help and Support Groups
Our self help and support groups are wonderful and supportive venues that give you the opportunity to meet others affected by MS and offer support and information about living with MS. To find the right group for you, check the local listing from the location of your choice in the orange box to the right. If you cannot find a group in your area, please call the All America Chapter office nearest you to discuss further options or 1.800.344.4867, option 1.
The Stay-at-Home Self help Group
The National MS Society, All America Chapter, offers a Stay-at-Home Self help Group. The only difference with this group and other self help groups is that this is done over the telephone.
The hour spent on the toll-free phone call becomes a time to share with others who have similar situations in life. This is an opportunity to learn what others have done in similar circumstances and to hear suggestions and ideas.
The Stay-at-Home Self help Group meets once a month on the third Tuesday or Wednesday of each month depending on your time zone. For more information contact the National MS Society at 1.800.344.4867, option 1.
Online Support Groups
For those Newly Diagnosed with MS
The All America Chapter has set up a group for those newly diagnosed with MS. By joining this group you can get support from the comfort of your own home. All you need is access to a computer.
Topics will be posted periodically and it’s as easy to post ideas as sending e-mail. In fact, that’s all you have to do once you’re registered! The discussion will be delivered to your e-mail box either one at a time or only once a day. You can respond as many or as few times as you would like.
This is a way to share ideas and topics just as you would at an in-person self help group without leaving home.
To register for this group enter the websites below and follow the on-screen instructions or they may e mail the list.
To subscribe:
E mail: MSNewlyDiagnosed@listserve.com Subject line: SUBSCRIBE
Or go to the following website and follow on screen instructions: http://mailman.listserve.com/listmanager/listinfo/msnewlydiagnosed
For Mothers with MS
Another online support group designed specifically for mothers who are living with MS.
To subscribe:
E mail: MSMothers@listserve.com Subject line: SUBSCRIBE
Or go to the following website and follow on screen instructions: http://mailman.listserve.com/listmanager/listinfo/msmothers
Peer Support Network
Someone to Listen
Facing the uncertain future of living with MS can be quite scary and isolating. Sometimes talking with someone who is experiencing or has experienced the same challenges can make all the difference. Receiving support from a peer can be a great help by creating a unique supportive connection through a common bond. This program is open to anyone living with MS - from newly diagnosed to those living with the disease for many years.
The Someone to Listen - Peer Support Program matches people to trained peer volunteers who also have MS. These trained volunteers are available to listen, answer questions, supply information, and provide support.
Through regular phone conversations, participants and peers discuss such things as:
- employment concerns
- disclosing a diagnosis
- coping with fatigue, pain or other symptoms
- MS treatment options
- finding resources
- managing relationships with family and friends
To find out more information or to enroll in the program, please call 1.800.344.4867, option 1.