Everybody Needs Somebody

It’s never easy to ask for help. That said, MS is a journey that is best navigated with support from family and friends. If you stop to consider it, there are probably several people in your life who would be willing to pitch in one way or another, if only they knew how. Here are some ways to create that possibility, even in the face of changing needs:

• Assign someone in your life the role of dispatcher, to give updates to people you care about if there’s something new to report. This can be a family member, a friend, and/or a coworker. Choose someone, if possible, with strong communication skills

• Bring along a loved one or trusted friend to accompany you and help advocate for you at your doctor appointments. This is good for moral support; it’s also helpful to have someone else write down information, so you can remember exactly what your healthcare team said

• If you have children, ask a friend or neighbor to babysit now and then, to give you an occasional break

• Some find it helpful to connect with other people who are coping with MS and dealing with the same issues that they are

• Set up a chore and errand schedule. This way, you can see your priorities at a glance. This will be especially helpful when you’re tired or not feeling well; you can ask others to help you and you’ll know specifically what you’ll need.