Newly Diagnosed

If you or a loved one have recently been diagnosed with multiple sclerosis, you may not even know where to begin. Chances are you’ve never heard of MS and don’t know what this means for the rest of your life. You’re probably feeling overwhelmed, and even a little scared. You might also be relieved to finally know what’s causing all the strange symptoms you’ve been experiencing. 

The good news is, no one has to face MS alone. The National Multiple Sclerosis Society is here to provide the support, resources and information you need to move your life forward. Many people find it helpful to start by gathering the facts.  Learning as much as you can about MS can help you feel confident and in control of your health.

You’re not alone. We are here to support you with information, online programs and one-on-one conversations with professionals. Here are a few of the resources we offer:

• The Ask an MS Expert program series focuses on trending topics related to the MS community. Experts answer your questions and MS Navigators provide live support during each program.
• Employment resources: Watch our video series, learn about your rights and connect with other sources of support to help you make decisions about your future.
• The guide Knowledge Is Power will help you take charge of your MS. It provides an overview of symptoms, information on treatments and answers to FAQs.
• Momentum: Momentum is the Society’s magazine, dedicated to providing information for and stories by people affected by MS. You might start with “In the Beginning,” an article about being newly diagnosed.
• MS Navigators are highly skilled, compassionate professionals that help connect you to the support you need.
• On-demand MS education: In addition to the New to MS program, we offer a number of online programs and educational opportunities.

The Society also offers resources specifically for children with MS, families affected by MS, Veterans and those in the Black community and the Hispanic/Latinx community living with MS.

Take advantage of opportunities to meet others who understand life with MS through support groups, one-on-one peer counseling and virtual programs.

• National MS Society Online Communities provide people affected by MS the support, information and connections they need — when they need them. Find community no matter where you live in the world.
• MSFriends connects you with volunteers living with MS. MSFriends volunteers complete a rigorous screening and training program and are focused on the needs of those who reach out for support.
• National MS Society support groups  bring people with MS — or their families and carepartners — together to lift each other up and share information and strategies. Find a group in your area.
• Black MS Experience Summit: Connect with others who understand the unique challenges of being Black with MS at the annual virtual summit. Recordings from past events are also available.
• Hispanic/Latinx MS Experience Summit: The Hispanic/Latinx MS Experience Summit is an interactive, virtual program in Spanish and English for people diagnosed with MS as well as their family and friends.