An MS diagnosis may feel like a life-ending blow, but it doesn’t have to be. Shock, denial, anger, and grief are all natural feelings, but eventually you will have to navigate through that mess of emotions to determine a new normal. Just like the symptoms of MS, your new normal will be different from anyone else’s, and it will change as your MS gets better or worse. Read on to learn my tips for finding your new normal after an MS diagnosis.
Focus On What You Can Do
MS will make it difficult to do some things, particularly in the midst of a flare-up. Try not to focus on these limitations. Instead, focus on the things you can do. When Verena Frydberg, founder of Makeover Your MS, talked about her new normal, she talked about using her scooter at Disney World. Rather than focusing on the fact that she couldn’t walk around the park, she chose to focus on the fact that she could still go on vacation and ride the rides with her kids. Shifting your focus to what you can do and finding ways to compensate for your limitations is key to finding a new normal that makes you happy.
Use Technology
There is plenty of technology out there to help you navigate the challenges of living with MS. If you struggle with shopping, use online shopping and consider having your groceries delivered. Amazon even makes Dash buttons that you can program to order and ship items just by pressing the button. Your smartphone or digital assistant (like Google Home and Amazon Echo) can also be a valuable tool, helping you remember to-dos and keep current on your calendar.
Surround Yourself With Support
You need a supportive network of friends and/or family, but you should also consider finding MS support groups. Connecting with others who have MS is a great way to learn new ideas for dealing with difficult symptoms. You can learn a great deal from other people, particularly if you are newly diagnosed with MS. Plus, it’s helpful to have a community of supportive people just to rant to when things are hard.
It will take some time to find your new normal, but staying positive will help you get there a lot faster. Be open to changes in your life, and do your best to keep doing the things you love.