In addition to the many challenges that come with MS, people living with this invisible illness can also experience frustration, guilt, exhaustion, financial strain and embarrassment. It can severely impact dependability at work and may lead to social isolation and depression. Imagine having to wake up each morning wondering if your arms and legs are going to work, if your vision will be blurry or if the pain will be bearable, etc. and then going out into the world to hear things like this:

• You don’t look sick.
• You were perfectly fine yesterday.
• How come you can go to the grocery store, but when I want to go somewhere, you are too tired?
• If you just exercise, you’ll feel better.
• Did you know you can cure your disease if you stop eating sugar?
• Why don’t you just take some pills and feel better?
• I just told you that 5 minutes ago, why can’t you remember?
• It’s all in your head.
•  It must be nice to get to sit at home all day.
  ….and the list goes on and on.
  

So, how can you support those you know living with MS? People with MS are not sitting around “waiting for God”, they are trying to live their best life in spite of this disease. It’s important to remember everyone wants to enjoy life and no one wants to be a burden. Try not to get frustrated with them, they didn’t choose this life. People with MS often feel judged or embarrassed because of the deficits they feel MS has created and don’t want to sound like they are whining and complaining. Educate yourself and ask questions because they want you to know. Accept that you are powerless to make them better, but your love and understanding mean so very much. Most importantly, remember that above all else, the person you know or love with MS is still just a regular human being who has regular human feelings and kindness costs you nothing.

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