Hi, am new to this site and looking for support

[honey2674]

Hello, have been diagnosed for a long time now, 2008. I was forced to give up work due to how bad things got symptoms wise and am struggling day to day in which leads to a very low mood and lack of motivation. I don’t really have anyone near me and yes, local groups are available, I’m just struggling with doing that. I did, yet, something happened, which led me to walking away. I think I just need guidance on how to fill my days especially on the days I just want to do nothing. I just feel sad and somewhat lost, so I thought I would reach out. Any advice will be welcomed and I am here to support also. 
Thank you for taking the time to read this through and I hope your day is going well. 
 

[Stumbler]

Aw, @honey2674 , don't feel alone. MS is an invisible condition, we don't look sick. And we don't wear T-shirts to announce our condition to the world. On this basis, your next door neighbour could have the condition and you wouldn't know!

 

You shouldn't discount the local groups. I made that mistake. I walked into our local group, saw wheelchairs and walking aids and thought, "I don't belong here!". You have to understand the nature of local groups. They meet weekdays, when anyone under pension age is expected to work. So, local groups are full of the older demographic.

 

These people are very senior age-wise, they are very old MS-wise. By this I mean that they haven't had the benefit of all the treatments introduced over the last couple of decades. Your prognosis is probably more favourable. So, don't be put off by the wheelchairs, etc., but look at the years of experience that they have to share.

 

The other thing I noticed was that these local groups are usually very happy places. I wish I'd persevered, but I steered clear for about 15 years. When I did return, I saw the group in a new light. I started going to the group twice a week, participating in Hyperbaric Oxygenation, Pilates and even yoga. I also allowed myself to be thrown out of a plane, to raise funds for the group!

 

So, don't be alone and sad. You need support and camaraderie.

 

Joining this forum is a good start. It allows you to interact with others, whilst retaining anonymity. Regrettably, this Forum is eerily quiet these days. Just a handful of people still participate. It seems the latest generation of social media is more attractive. 

 

We all struggle in our own way, @honey2674 , but we all hold each other up too. We might find life somewhat restrictive, but we need to find ourselves a purpose. Your offer to also provide support here is a good start.

 

Take care and stay safe.