If youre living with a chronic illness likemultiple sclerosis(M.S.
), it can be even more crucial to focus on taking care of yourself mentally and emotionally.
Experiencing unpredictable physical symptoms like pain, muscle weakness, and tremors can take a toll.
Many people with M.S. say that managing their mental health is an important part of their treatment plan.
Anecdotally, many people with M.S.
say they’ve experienced depression after their diagnoses.
With that in mind, we spoke to several people with M.S.
to learn about how they prioritize their mental health.
A major takeaway: While it isnt easy, people with M.S.
say that making mental health a priority is an important part of living well with the condition.
has truly made me prioritize the wordno.
Briana Landis, 24, was diagnosed with M.S.
in 2001 when she was just 3 years old.
It feels like M.S.
has always been a part of my life, Landis tells SELF.
Landis hasexperienced different symptomsthroughout her life, including going temporarily blind in one eye when she was eight.
I more recently had a flare where half of my body went completely numb, she says.
That was the first time that has ever happened.
Usually I get headaches, but thats about it.
Landis says shes noticed that stress can prompt a flare-up.
If my mental health is not in a good place, then my M.S.
is not in a good place, she says.
Landis relies on using a calendar to visually look at her schedule.
Having periods of rest is important to both my mental health and M.S.
Being athletic plays a really big role in my M.S.
Landiss doctors have always encouraged her to stay active to help with muscle tightness.
Ever since I was little, I have been athletic, she says.
I played soccer and baseball as a kid and ran cross-country and track in college.
Now she likes to kayak, walk, hike, and do water aerobics.
Being outside and being athletic plays a really big role in my M.S.
and mental health, she says.
I feel a difference in my mental and physical health when I exercise and when I dont."
I found an amazing therapist.
Cory Martin, 42,was diagnosed with M.S.
in 2007 when she was 28. on the internet, Martin tells SELF.
But as her depression progressed, Martin realized she wanted some extra support to help process her feelings.
She started looking at therapist bios online and found numerous practitioners who worked with people dealing with chronic conditions.
I never knew that was a specialty, Martin says.
For Martin, finding a therapist who specializes in chronic conditions has been transformative.
I do all the things I want, and I dont hesitate.
I practice yoga, but not in the way many people think.
Martin stopped going to yoga classes because they always zapped her energy.
But Martin incorporates a few of the philosophies she learned from going to yoga into herM.S.
I practice yoga, but not in the way many people think, Martin says.
One of the concepts I like in yoga is called ahimsa,2which means to do no harm.
Martin says she also likes the concept of svadhyaya,2which means self-study.
I use this to help me evaluate where Im at physically and mentally, Martin says.
It helps me evaluate the way Im living and allows me to prioritize things that make me feel better.
I meditate a lot, and I am always doing positive affirmations.
Antonia Juarez, 32, was diagnosed with M.S.
When I was first diagnosed, I could not walk without a walker or cane, Juarez tells SELF.
I couldnt see out of my left eye.
I couldn’t even lift a cup of water with my left hand, she says.
You just can’t believe it’s happened to you, Juarez says.
Its so impossible not to feel exhausted, confused, and sorry for yourself.
Juarez saysmeditatinghelps her get through difficult days.
Even on those days I cant walk, I know how strong my body and mind are.
There is nothing that makes me happier than helping others.
Juarez serves on the Emerging Leaders Board of theNational Multiple Sclerosis Society, which focuses on M.S.
Without the organization, I dont think I would be the person I am today.
Volunteering is the reason Im so positive," she says.
Through her role on the board, Juarez meets with younger adults who have M.S.
and connects them to sources of support like networking events.
There is nothing that makes me happier than helping others, especially newly-diagnosed people, she says.
I make a run at reach out to friends or family when I am feeling stressed.
Hannah Perryman, 37, says she felt relieved and scared after being diagnosed with M.S.
On the other, I felt scared, alone, and overwhelmed.
Perryman says talking about her feelings with a therapist and her loved ones brings her comfort.
This is helpful primarily because it reminds me that I am not alone.
I tap into my senses.
Tanina Agosto, 43, was shocked and confused when she was diagnosed with M.S.
“His mouth was moving, but all I could hear was white noise.
I went into a deep depression.
I didnt feel like I had anything to look forward to anymore.
I really believed my life was over, she says.
Agosto started therapy and learned strategies to manage feelings of depression and anxiety.
