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Coping and support

By Mayo Clinic staff

Living with a chronic condition such as multiple sclerosis can place you on a roller coaster of emotions. Here are some suggestions to help you cope:

  • Maintain normal daily activities as best you can.
  • Stay connected to friends and family.
  • Continue to pursue hobbies that you enjoy and are able to do.

If multiple sclerosis impairs your ability to do things you enjoy, talk with your doctor about possible ways to get around the obstacles.

Remember that your physical health can affect your mental health. A counselor or therapist may help you put things in perspective, as well as teach you coping skills and relaxation techniques that may be helpful.

Sometimes, joining a support group, where you can share experiences and feelings with other people who have similar concerns, is a good approach. Ask your doctor what support groups are available in your community.

Lifestyle and home remedies
References
  1. Multiple sclerosis: Hope through research. National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/multiple_sclerosis/detail_multiple_sclerosis.htm. Accessed Aug. 7, 2012.
  2. Olek MJ. Epidemiology and clinical features of multiple sclerosis in adults. http://www.uptodate.com/index. Accessed Sept. 19, 2012.
  3. Olek MJ. Treatment of relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis in adults. http://www.uptodate.com/index. Accessed Sept. 19, 2012.
  4. Neurological diagnostic tests and procedures. National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/misc/diagnostic_tests.htm. Accessed Sept. 13, 2012.
  5. Olek MJ. Diagnosis of multiple sclerosis in adults. http://www.uptodate.com/index. Accessed Sept. 19, 2012.
  6. Olek MJ. Treatment of acute exacerbations of multiple sclerosis in adults. http://www.uptodate.com/index. Accessed Sept. 19, 2012.
  7. Foley F, et al. Taming stress in multiple sclerosis. National Multiple Sclerosis Society. http://www.nationalmssociety.org/living-with-multiple-sclerosis/healthy-living/stress/index.aspx. Accessed Sept. 24, 2012.
  8. Harmon M. Exercise as part of everyday life. National Multiple Sclerosis Society. http://www.nationalmssociety.org/living-with-multiple-sclerosis/healthy-living/exercise/index.aspx. Accessed Sept. 25, 2012.
  9. Baclofen. Micromedex Healthcare Series. http://www.micromedex.com. Accessed Sept. 25, 2012.
  10. Tizanidine hydrochloride. Micromedex Healthcare Series. http://www.micromedex.com. Accessed Sept. 25, 2012.
  11. Olek MJ. Treatment of progressive multiple sclerosis in adults. http://www.uptodate.com/index. Accessed Sept. 19, 2012.
  12. Bone marrow transplantation and peripheral blood stem cell transplantation. National Cancer Institute. http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/factsheet/Therapy/bone-marrow-transplant/. Accessed Sept. 25, 2012.
  13. Heat and temperature sensitivity. National Multiple Sclerosis Society. http://www.nationalmssociety.org/about-multiple-sclerosis/what-we-know-about-ms/treatments/exacerbations/heattemperature-sensitivity/index.aspx. Accessed Sept. 25, 2012.
  14. Food for thought: MS and nutrition. National Multiple Sclerosis Society. http://www.nationalmssociety.org/living-with-multiple-sclerosis/healthy-living/nutirtion-and-diet/index.aspx. Accessed Sept. 25, 2012.
  15. Healthy living with MS. National Multiple Sclerosis Society. http://www.nationalmssociety.org/living-with-multiple-sclerosis/healthy-living/index.aspx. Accessed Sept. 25, 2012.
  16. Weinshenker BG (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. Dec. 2, 2012.
  17. Olek MJ. Comorbid problems associated with multiple sclerosis in adults. http://www.uptodate.com/index. Accessed Dec. 3, 2012.
  18. Tysabri (prescribing information). Cambridge, Mass.: Biogen Idec; 2012. http://www.biogenidec.com/therapies_tysabri.html. Accessed Dec. 3, 2012.
  19. Medication guide: Tysabri. Biogen Idec. http://www.biogenidec.com/therapies_tysabri.html. Accessed Dec. 3, 2012.
  20. Medication guide: Aubagio. Genzyme Corporation. https://www.aubagio.com/. Accessed Dec. 3, 2012.
DS00188 Dec. 15, 2012

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