Creating a Support Network
Living with multiple sclerosis (MS) can feel like a roller coaster, and it is common to feel alone. You are not. Thousands of people face the same challenges you do, and many find that family and friends carry them through hard days and everyday needs. Building that support is one of the best things you can do for yourself.
What A Support Network Is
A support network is the group of family and friends you can turn to, both in a crisis and for simple things like talking about your day, sharing a meal, or getting a ride to an appointment. You build it yourself, from people who understand what you need and want to help.
How To Build One
Asking for help is hard, but letting people help is a gift to them too. Be clear about what you need, because no one can read your mind.
One way to start is to list your daily chores and mark the ones you still enjoy or would rather do yourself. Then ask someone you trust to help share out the rest. To widen your circle, reach out to old friends, volunteer for a cause you care about, or join a class or a group.
Support Groups
A support group brings together people who face the same challenges to share advice and encouragement, and it can help you feel less alone. Groups meet in person, online, or by phone, and some follow a set plan while others are casual. Try a few meetings to find one that fits, and ask your VA provider about groups near you.
Keep It Healthy For You
The point of a network is to support you and lower your stress, so surround yourself with people who lift you up and watch out for getting worn down. Remember that relationships go both ways: stay in touch, listen well, and thank the people who help you.
When to Talk to Your Provider
If you feel alone or overwhelmed, talk with your VA care team or a social worker, who can point you to support groups and services near you. Building a network takes work, but it is good for both your mind and your body.
Based on an article by Janet Spencer, MSW, LCSW.
