Multiple Sclerosis

Pathways to Wellness in MS

1. The first segment on is on Emotional Wellness presented by Amy MB Sullivan, PsyD, ABPP, Director of Behavioral Medicine and Research, Mellen Center for MS Director, Engagement and Wellbeing. Mental Health and Emotional Health are the same thing.

• Emotional Well-Being

Emotional well-being can be enhanced, even in the face of challenges. Use this information to focus on the positive, stay centered, manage stress and more. 

MS can have a significant impact on a person’s emotions because it affects parts of the brain that control mood. Learn how to recognize and manage these feelings with this booklet. 

• Head Space 

Cognitive behavioral therapy can help you manage pain, fatigue and your emotions. Read this Momentum Magazine article to learn more. 

• MS Cognitive Symptoms: What You Need to Know 

There are lots of strategies to help you take control and increase your confidence. Use this resource to learn more about cognitive symptoms. Don’t miss Overcoming MS’s (OMS) page on meditation! Navigate to the ‘OMS Program’ tab at the top and select ‘Meditation’. 

• Stress and Multiple Sclerosis 

Having MS can cause stress that may affect you physically, emotionally and mentally. Learn habits to help reduce stress. 

• 26 Stress-Reducing Strategies You Can Practice Today 

Many people believe stress can worsen MS symptoms. Read this Momentum Magazine article to learn actions on how to reduce  stress.

2. The second segment was on Navigating life with MS through spirituality today, by Evan L. Smith, PhD, Rehabilitation Psychologist and Clinical Assistant Professor, University of Michigan (UM).

• Spiritual Well-Being 

Spirituality is a powerful aspect of the human experience. It can fuel one’s efforts to achieve wellness in the face of life’s obstacles, including a diagnosis of MS. Learn ways to build spirituality, whatever that looks like to you, into your life. 

• Mind over Mind 

Learn how you can stay calm and focused with mindfulness meditation in this Momentum Magazine article. 

• Yoga and MS 

Practicing yoga can give you tools to manage everyday tasks. Take time to care for your body and reduce stress by learning more about yoga. 

• Hippo-therapy and Therapeutic Horseback Riding 

Hippo-therapy uses horseback riding as a treatment for medical conditions, including MS. Discover this treatment approach and benefits of hippo-therapy. 

3. The third segment was on Social Wellness, by Emily Reilly, Certified Personal Trainer living with MS.

Relationships 

Important relationships take effort and energy. Learn how to navigate your MS diagnosis in relationships without over-stressing it. 

• Staying Social 

Learn more about how MS can interfere with reading social cues in this Momentum article. 

• The Value of Human Connection 

Today’s’ virtual world can lessen authentic story sharing with one another. Watch this TedTalk to remind yourself of the power of human connection. 

• Ask the MS Expert: Dating and MS – A Conversation with Millennials 

Disclosing your MS while dating can make you feel vulnerable. Hear how others have disclosed their multiple sclerosis in new romantic relationships in this Ask an MS Expert clip. 

• Lower Stress by Strengthening Your Support Network 

Receiving emotional support can help reduce stress and improve your life’s outlook. This article provides actions you can take to strengthen your social support. 

• Employment 

You can still achieve your employment goals despite an MS diagnosis. Learn about your rights and resources available to help you succeed in the workplace. 

All three of these segments lasted only 25-30 minutes. They were very informative, and I learned a lot. I encourage each person interested in discovering ways to help their MS to listen to these recordings, by going to https://www.nationalmssociety.org/Living-Well-With-MS/Emotional-Well-Being.