Sharing News About an MS Diagnosis
Friends and family members may be the easiest to talk to about your MS. If they don't already know about your diagnosis, they may have already at least noticed that something is wrong. In fact, they may be grateful to hear that your condition has a real name.
Having the support of your friends and family can help you manage your MS. However, you should consider the personalities of each person before you tell them. Try talking about your MS in a way that won't scare or overwhelm them. After you explain your MS to them, be sure to observe their reaction. That way you'll have a better understanding of how to talk to them in the future.
Getting Advice
For guidance in talking to others about your MS, you may benefit from advice from someone who has been there before. MS Mentors can help you with issues like communicating with loved ones and others.
Understanding Reactions
When people hear about an MS diagnosis, they react in different ways. Some people may be silent and thoughtful. Others may be very emotional. Still others may want to have an honest and frank discussion about multiple sclerosis.
Many people will react based on how you talk to them about your MS. If your tone is calm and reassuring, it can help keep the mood comfortable. However, if you seem worried and anxious, the person you're speaking to may feel alarmed. Getting to know different people's comfort level with your MS will be helpful when considering your tone.
Special Relationships
Whether it's a child, a coworker, or a romantic interest, you may prefer not to talk to certain people about your MS right away. That's perfectly normal. Your privacy is valuable, and you should not feel obligated to talk if you don't want to. In delicate relationships, it's important to wait for the right time for a discussion.
More about talking about MS and the workplace
