The Ongoing Conversation About MS at Work

Living with multiple sclerosis (MS) can pose a variety of challenges at work. But everyone, healthy or not, would agree that effective communication is a key ingredient for a successful career. Here are some key ideas to keep in mind that will go a long way toward helping you achieve your desired goals.

Three Things to Keep in Mind

MS symptoms raise questions. MS symptoms are often invisible, so unless you talk about it, people will be unaware of your capacities or your limitations. Even a visible symptom, such as a motor problem requiring a cane, walker, or scooter, can lead to other questions about what you can or cannot do.

The situation can be trying for others too. The unpredictable nature of MS means that no one can be sure what symptoms you are experiencing at any given time. Living with this level of uncertainty is very difficult for you, but it can also be trying for those who rely on you at work.

Take control of the message. Most people know little about this disease or how it affects people. If symptoms impact your performance, they may lack sufficient information to understand your experience. Letting them draw their own conclusions could be more damaging than anything you might say about your condition.

Maybe you are thinking, “But I already disclosed to my boss or colleagues, why isn’t that enough?”  It might be. But work tasks and roles can vary over time and symptoms can come and go unpredictably. Even after disclosure, these changes can create the need for ongoing conversation. And that is where many people get stuck. Here are some guidelines that can help you navigate the tricky moments.