Whether you’ve just been diagnosed with multiple sclerosis, or you’ve been living with it for years, odds are you’ve already experienced some form of MS-related stress. In fact, for some people, stress begins at diagnosis and continues to grow, once they experience the impact MS can have on their everyday lives.

Fortunately, there’s no reason to see MS-related stress as something you “just have to live with.” There are many techniques, backed by sound science that may significantly reduce your stress levels. The more you learn about stress management now, the easier it will be to integrate it into your daily routines over time.

The next few pages will introduce you to a wide range of stress-relieving techniques you can learn fairly quickly and start using right away. While they combine insights from many different disciplines, these techniques have one thing in common: They depend on your ability to step away from denial and accept the fact that living with MS means adapting to a new set of rules.

From the goals you set for yourself, to your experience at work, to your relationships with family and friends, the impact of MS on your life is here to stay. Though it might be difficult at first, the sooner you accept your diagnosis, the better. If you’ve gotten into the habit of negative thinking, work to reinvest that energy into problem solving—like finding a support group, rearranging your work schedule, or modifying your home to accommodate your mobility issues.

While learning to live with multiple sclerosis can be challenging, remember: You don’t need to solve every problem at once. Take each situation as it comes. That way, you may find it’s easier to keep from being overwhelmed by your condition. Just know that one of the most important steps is learning how to manage MS-related stress.

Use the following links to access advice, tips and practical information:

Keep in mind that stress relief is a complex topic, and there’s no magic formula for learning how to cope. While the tips and advice you’ll find here may help you, remember to consult your healthcare provider with any additional questions you may have.

Source: MS Active Source

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