Multiple sclerosis support

Multiple sclerosis is a debilitating neurological disease which affects adults between the ages of 20 and 40. Although children less than 15 and older than 60 have been documented with developing multiple sclerosis these conditions are very rare.

Multiple sclerosis affects adults during their childbearing and caregiving years which has a significant emotional and psychological burden upon the individual and their family. This burden can be alleviated to some degree by recieving support and counseling through different venues.

Healthcare practitioners who work with individuals who have multiple sclerosis will often work in multidisciplinary teams. This team approach gives the individual the benefits of working with physical therapists, occupational therapists, nutritionists, physicians in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, as well as social workers, counselors and pastors.

Individuals who suffer from multiple sclerosis must sometimes also think outside the box when it comes to providing appropriate support and counseling for themselves and their families. Individuals will face challenges both inside the family as well as in the workforce and financially.

People who suffer with multiple sclerosis will find that they receive the most support and knowledgeable counseling by individuals who work within the team and by working with counselors who are familiar with counseling people who suffer from debilitating and potentially life-threatening diseases.

Counselors will offer the individual the opportunity to network with other individuals or families who have been down this path before. By accepting counsel and support from other families, sufferers may find they are able to develop more creative answers to their daily problems.

People who suffer from multiple sclerosis can also find a large support group online through forums and message boards. Because of the debilitating nature of the disease, individuals with multiple sclerosis will often find it easier to network with friends and family through the telephone or the Internet. This opens up the opportunity to meet, and become involved with, other individuals with multiple sclerosis without ever leaving your home. People in forums and message boards can have answers to questions which cannot be found at the healthcare practitioner\’s office or through the therapist.

If you or a loved one have multiple sclerosis never overlook the necessity of finding appropriate support. This additional support can often relieve stress and improve the physical outcome of the person who suffers.

RESOURCES

National Multiple Sclerosis Society: MSFriends: Peer Telephone Support

Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago: Multiple Sclerosis Support Group

Johns Hopkins Medicine: Multiple Sclerosis Support Groups

National Multiple Sclerosis Society: Support Groups

Multiple Sclerosis Foundation: Support Groups