The diagnosis of a chronic illness can be overwhelming and you will likely experience many emotions. Staying connected to one’s feelings, priorities and values can help calm the emotional turmoil that sometimes occurs in the face of life’s challenges. Find personal meaning through
spiritual practice and/or religious beliefs so you can become and stay centered and in touch with your inner self.
Stress is part of everyday life. The diagnosis of MS can sometimes make the stress of daily life feel overwhelming. Many people with MS say they experience more and/or worse symptoms during stressful times; when the stress abates, their symptoms seem less troubling or less severe.
Learning to eliminate unnecessary stressors — and manage the ones that are here to stay — is essential for staying on an even keel emotionally.
A range of strategies are available to help manage stress, for example meditation, relaxation exercises, individual or team sports, journaling, hobbies, time with family and friends are all ways that you may find help reduce your stress.