Living with multiple sclerosis presents many challenges to individuals and families. In addition to addressing the physical symptoms caused by MS, people with MS and their families must find ways to adapt to other life changes resulting from a chronic illness.
Most people adapt quite well to life with MS. Since there are many new aspects to living with a chronic illness, it can be very helpful to confer with our social worker, Elizabeth Misasi, LICSW, about the psychosocial aspects of life with MS, which include:
- Adjusting to the diagnosis – This can be a trying time, in which during a very short period of time, one’s view of oneself changes from being a healthy person to a person with a chronic illness.
- Establishing a good working relationship with your medical care providers. Having a chronic illness means that you will have long-term relationships with your neurologist and other care providers. Counseling can help a person and family learn about navigating the medical system.
- Multiple sclerosis can put additional strain on families and on couple relationships. It can be helpful to discuss couple and family issues with an impartial professional. Most people with MS identify uncertainty as one of the most difficult aspects of life with MS. It is often helpful to discuss your feelings of uncertainty about the future, and other sources of anxiety.
- Depression is found more often among people with MS than in the general population. Depression can be very disabling, and can interfere with work and relationships. Depression can be treated, and patients who are feeling depressed are encouraged to contact their neurologist, or our social worker, Elizabeth Misasi.
- Children who have a parent with MS often have many questions and misconceptions about MS. Children can benefit from a discussion with someone who can answer their questions about the cause, prognosis, and course of MS.
Appointments with Ms. Misasi can be made through the front desk, at 617-525-6550. We would also be most happy to arrange referrals with mental health providers in the community who have experience working with individuals with MS and their families.
