Emotional Effects
Within a few weeks of her diagnosis, Jen reached out to the Chapter for information. At the time, Jen didn’t request services as she was very active, keeping busy with work. Jen became involved with the chapter through occasional volunteering at events.
Then, Jen had an exacerbation, possibly brought on by stress. She was forced to stop working. The medication she’d been prescribed for her MS wasn’t helping her symptoms, and it made her depressed. Her family recommended counseling. Jen’s health insurance wasn’t covering her expensive MS medication, and she was not hopeful that it would cover counseling.
Jen discovered that the chapter provides counseling, and began weekly sessions with a Chapter funded therapist. “The therapist already understands MS – I don’t have to waste time educating her,” says Jen. “She is resourceful and helps me understand or overcome challenges I bring up, and beyond that, she’s easy to talk to.”
Since starting therapy, Jen is coping very well with the diagnosis and all the problems attached to it (employment, disability benefits, doctors, etc). “MS is not the sole topic we discuss. We talk about relationships, work, everything – because it all relates to MS in the end. MS changes life, self-image, relationships with others… everything,” says Jen.
Since she began counseling, everyone close to Jen has commented to her on the positive change. Jen says that she now feels better able to cope with stress, and that now she “has a handle on things.” The Chapter will continue to provide counseling until Jen and her counselor feel that their work is “complete.”
We Can Help
When first diagnosed or struggling to adapt to life with MS, people may feel disbelief, fear, anger, depression and guilt. However, emotional health needs are often overlooked. The Pacific South Coast Chapter’s Counseling Program is designed to address the emotional needs of people and families affected by MS.
Mental health professionals who understand MS are provided at no cost to clients. Services are short-term: up to 12 hour-long sessions (~$1,800 value).
In Orange County counseling is provided by independent community therapists. The chapter’s partnerships with Jewish Family Services of San Diego and a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Imperial Valley make counseling available throughout the territory.
Other local therapists are referred if required to better meet clients’ needs. Contracted therapists are educated and trained on how to work with clients living with MS.
To become eligible for the Counseling Program, contact the chapter at 1-800-344-4867 press ‘1’.
The chapter is currently funding about 40 clients annually (480 counseling hours) each year. With additional funding, the chapter could expand the Counseling Program to assist more families. To donate, call 1-800-344-4867 press ‘2’ or visit www.MSpacific.org.