Message to #MSwarriors

Stress and Multiple Sclerosis have never been a match made in heaven. Avoiding and dealing with reducing stress in our lives could really help minimize symptoms. Some of the things we can do are; meditate, exercise and eliminate things in our lives that directly bring stress.

If you’re able to still work; a change in career may be an appropriate move. But what if your disease has put you in a position where you can’t work anymore? Being on Social Security Disability is very limiting financially. Sometimes that alone (reduced income) can create stress.

How do you pay your mortgage, rent etc…while on disability? Are you married? The pressure that your MS puts on your spouse can bounce back to you as more stress.

Personally, I used to work hard. The money I was fortunate to make allowed us to purchase a larger home that fit our family well. Unfortunately with that larger home came a larger mortgage.

Once MS hit, I had to go on Social Security Disability and my wife had to go back to work. However, our income as a family was drastically reduced. Add children to the mix and the stress level goes up.

All of the things I originally mentioned (meditation, exercise and elimination) surely will help but to what extent? I think it’s important to have support systems in place. Support groups and others to talk to about day to day stressors.

I personally believe it’s important to talk to others that are most like you. If someone truly can’t relate to your situation it may not help. I have many friends that have Multiple Sclerosis and they are great support. However, if they’re not married or don’t have children it may be a challenge for them to relate to some of your struggles. Be smart and be strong! You’ve got this MS’rs!