For this little post, Dizzy and I are focusing on all the different resources that are out there to help people living with MS. Both for ongoing support and the times when we need a little extra help. 🙂 These are all resources which we wish we had known about when I was first starting my journey with MS, and I hope you find them just as helpful as we do.

  1. Other people with MS

It can be great to connect with others who are also living MS. This might be through an online platform, a social meet-up or a support group. Having someone else to chat to about all the random symptoms and experiences that come with MS can help all of us on the good and not so good days, and to help us to know that we are not alone. People with MS also seem to be pretty amazing, so you might find that you make some fantastic friends along the way. 🙂

  1. Healthcare professionals

It is vital to keep in contact and raise any concerns you may have with your little healthcare team (although, I do realise these people are ridiculous busy, and not always easy to get hold off). But they are also the people best placed to sign-post us in the right direction if we need any extra help with anything. When I was struggling with anxiety, it was my nurse who I first talked too, and who made suggestions and comments on where to go to next for help. J

  1. Counselling

Seeing a professional talking therapist can help all of us, at any stage of our MS journeys. This can give us a safe place to talk about our thoughts, and just to express how we are feeling. There are even MS specialist counsellors, who already know all about our condition.

  1. MS Therapy Centres

There are over 50 MS Therapy Centres throughout the UK, and they are amazing places for both our physical and mental health. Each one is different, and they all offer a range of treatments, from counselling to singing classes to aqua yoga. They also provide a comforting environment where we are surrounded by people who understand. And as well as being great places for accessing different resources, they can also be amazing places for meeting new people! 

This is Dizzy having oxygen therapy at her local one. 🙂

5. Websites and books

These can be amazing resources, which are practically unlimited! Firstly though, a little word of caution, as some sites can give false information or only focus on worse case scenarios. Try to stay with reputable charities, such as MS Society, MS Trust and Shift.MS and organisations, as they always give truthful, useful and relevant information. Many also offer places to chat with others and ask questions, such as on message boards and forums. There are also lots of wonderful books out there, which are written by and for others with MS. There are ones out there for everyone too, whether we want a more serious read, or something which will make us laugh out loud about all the random adventurers with MS. 🙂

6. Friends and family

… and furbabies. J This one can sometimes be a little hard, as sometimes we can worry about burdening our loved ones or worrying about seeming to be complaining. But they are there because they love us! And usually, they want to know what is going on so that they can help. J A cuddle with a furbaby can also make the world of difference. J

I hope you have found my 7 resources helpful. Have you discovered any other useful resources that we can add to our little list? 🙂 xxx

 

 

9 Replies to “6 Amazing Resources for Life with MS”

  1. Good suggestions. I think counselling can be so important in any situation of illness. And a cuddle with a fur baby. Well that is something that my husband and I rely on with our little dog to lower our blood pressure. and give us some peace and calm.

  2. I’m sorry you didn’t have these suggestions to help you in the beginning of your MS journey, but it is thoughtful of you to pass them on now. Your fur baby is precious to have … he doesn’t have to do a thing but listen or snuggle. 🙂

    1. I just hope they help others, as it took me ages to find the different resources available. Fur babys are definitely the best on the list though! 🙂 xxx

      1. The resources are so much better today than in the past aren’t they? You took time to compile that list so I’m sure it is helping your followers. Pets are there for you in good times and bad and don’t say a word – they just “listen” and understand in their own way.

        1. They are, and there are resources out there, but they can be hard to find! And I think pets are the best ones really. Nothing beats a cuddle with a furbaby. 🙂 xxx

Let us know your thoughts, they always make for a very happy Dizzy :)