Multiple Sclerosis and Reaching Out

I have had Multiple Sclerosis for several years and just now I am beginning to see a common challenge with people that have MS. There are some of us who bury ourselves a little. I believe we do this because:

- having multiple sclerosis has social impacts due the the mobility and cognitive challenges
- some of us suffer side effects of the many drugs we take that prevents us from partaking in social situations
- some suffer from the depression
- we often don't have the energy/stamina for much

However, I believe we have to reach out to other people: people with Multiple Sclerosis, agencies that help like the National Multiple Sclerosis Society as well as friends family and loved ones. They can help in so many ways.

I did not realize that I needed to reach out until I started volunteering with the National MS Society. I volunteer on so many different levels, leveging the experience that I am constantly gaining to help other people. In doing so, I am amazingly fulfilled, I get the resources I need personally and I am helping someone else get something they need.

This last point really stops me from wallowing in my own issues as a person with Multiple Sclerosis and allows me to empathize for someone else. This makes a difference to me in managing the chaos of Multiple Sclerosis. This is what socialization can do for you, too.