By Samuel Fitch
I have no problem admitting that I enjoy recognition. I also know I can be a shameless self-promoter at times. But when it comes to the MS community, celebration feels different.
For me, celebration is not about pretending the hard days do not exist. It is about recognizing the small victories that often go unnoticed.
Continue readingBy Dr. Eva Jackson
Like many people, I was raised to believe that pride and boasting were wrong. As an adult, however, I am learning that recognizing my accomplishments is not the same as bragging. No matter how big or small the achievement is, I am learning to celebrate doing a good job.
For me, being kind and doing good comes naturally, but I am realizing that it is also important to celebrate myself. Sometimes that means simply giving myself credit, patting myself on the back, or treating myself to something special just for being me. I am learning that self-celebration is not about putting myself above anyone else. It is about acknowledging my efforts and my growth and giving myself permission to feel good about the progress I have made.
Continue readingBy Angel Blair
You are good. You are worthy. You are more than enough. You are you and that is perfect. These are affirmations that everyone deserves to believe and live by. But I myself have always had a difficult time believing in my value as a person and trusting that I am enough and deserving of all that is good in this life. Why is it sometimes easier to judge and ridicule ourselves, rather than celebrate who we are and what we’ve accomplished? Because we’re too hard on ourselves and act as our own worst critics. Because we think we need to be perfect. Nonsense. What we need to do is recognize the wins; the big, the small, and the in-between that’s made us who we are. We need to celebrate us.
Continue readingBy Nicole Robinson
Living with multiple sclerosis has changed the way I look at a lot of things, especially what it means to celebrate myself.
For a long time, I didn’t think of myself as someone who needed to be celebrated. I associated celebration with big milestones, big wins, or moments that everyone could see. But living with a chronic illness has taught me that some of the most meaningful victories are the ones no one else sees.
Continue readingBy Monica Proctor Wilson
During National Mental Health Awareness Month, I reflected on how I first learned about the importance of mental health care. Growing up, I often felt misunderstood emotionally, but I did not know that therapy or emotional support were even options of assistance. In many black communities, especially during the 70’s and 80’s, mental health was heavily stigmatized, so I quietly carried out my struggles alone. Everything changed when I entered college and discovered counseling services on campus. For the first time, I felt understood and realized caring for my mental health was just as important as caring for my physical health. I hid going to therapy from my family until I was in my 30’s because I feared judgment. Today, I openly recognize mental health therapy and emotional wellness as necessary parts of living with multiple sclerosis.
Continue readingBy Dr. Eva Jackson
One of the most meaningful quotes I have read this year is, “Nothing amazing happens inside our comfort zone.” When you first hear that tests confirm a diagnosis of multiple sclerosis, your reaction may be shock, confusion, or disbelief. These are normal responses to news that can change the course of your life.
Over the past few years, I have spoken with many other MS warriors about the day they were diagnosed. Those diagnosed early often describe the experience differently from those diagnosed in later stages. I am among those who received a late diagnosis. Looking back, I realize my emotions followed a pattern similar to Elisabeth Kübler-Ross’s 1969 theory, the “Five Stages of Grief.” While the experience of living with MS is distinct, it often echoes a comparable emotional journey. I describe that journey as the 6 C’s of Mental Toughness and Resilience.
The 6 C’s are Coping, Courage, Care, Connection, Community, and Compassion. Here is a brief look at each stage.
Coping – This stage often carries you through the emotions commonly associated with grief, from denial and anger to eventual acceptance. For some, this process may be brief; for others, it may take much longer. I spent much of this stage feeling angry after investing significant time, money, and energy searching for answers. Even so, I remain grateful for the care team that helped guide me through the process and supported me along the way.
Courage – For many people, asking for help requires real courage. Using an assistive device or relying on others for support can also be difficult steps to take. Courage means weighing the risks and choosing what best protects your health and safety. As difficult as it may feel, using a walker, cane, or scooter can be a powerful act of strength rather than a sign of weakness.
Care – MS requires ongoing care and consistent attention. Keeping a health journal can help you prepare for appointments and communicate more effectively with your care team. Because many people with MS experience cognitive and memory challenges, having written notes can be especially valuable.
Connection – Connection reflects the relationships you maintain with family and friends. Strong, genuine bonds can make a meaningful difference throughout this journey. Support from the people closest to you can provide both stability and encouragement when you need it most.
Community – If you have not joined a support group, I strongly encourage you to consider it. Your MS community can offer meaningful relationships, practical resources, and a sense of belonging. No one should have to navigate this journey alone.
Compassion – The final stage of mental toughness and resilience is developing the compassion, knowledge, and clarity to support someone else living with MS. At this stage, your experience can become a source of strength and encouragement for others.
As an MS warrior, I hope everyone can move through these stages of mental toughness and resilience with strength, confidence, and hope.
About Dr. Eva Jackon:
Hello. My name is Dr. Eva Jackson, and I am currently a guest blogger for MSAA. I completed a Doctorate in Management, Organizational Development and Change at Colorado Technical University in Denver, Colorado. My academic background also includes a Master of Science in Leadership and a Bachelor of Art in Social Services from Belhaven College in Jackson, Mississippi. I have previously co-owned an event planning, catering, and decorating business called NikLiz Designs with my husband of 31 years Tim Jackson. After being diagnosed with MS, my career path changed, but I continue to provide management consulting services. In addition, I participate in crafting activities and volunteer as a Peer Connections Leader and an MS activist for the National MS Society.
By Samuel Fitch
When people hear the phrase “mental health,” they often think of major life changes, complicated routines, or dramatic breakthroughs. My experience has been much simpler.
For me, strong mental health is often built through small habits repeated consistently; habits that help me stay grounded before the demands of the day begin competing for my attention.
Living with multiple sclerosis has taught me how quickly your mind can drift if you’re not intentional. Some days bring fatigue. Other days bring stiffness or frustration. And if I’m not careful, my mind can start running toward questions about the future that don’t have answers yet.
Continue readingBy Angel Blair
I think it goes without saying how important one’s overall health is. Though when we talk about health and wellness, we often just think of the physical aspects. But a crucial part of our well-being relies on mental health and wellness too, and these can unfortunately get overlooked at times. When thinking about wellness plans and regimens, mental health may not be considered a top priority or major piece of the puzzle. But it should, as mental wellness is just as important as other parts of our health system.
Nurturing mental health needs can be challenging at times, but there are ways to help improve it that may already be done in your day-to-day. It doesn’t always have to be a grand act or monumental feat that’s accomplished, but rather small gestures or behaviors done daily to foster good mental health. If I find myself overwhelmed or stressed, there are a few go-to acts that I engage in to center myself and to help refocus.
Continue readingBy Nicole Robinson
Living with multiple sclerosis has taught me a lot, especially when it comes to protecting my mental and emotional well-being.
When I was first diagnosed, I didn’t have it all together. There were moments of confusion, frustration, and a lot of questions about what my life would look like moving forward. While I still don’t have all the answers, I’ve learned that small intentional habits can make a big difference in how I show up each day.
Continue readingBy Dr. Eva Jackson
Holistic wellness plays a critical role in improving the quality of life for individuals affected by multiple sclerosis (MS). This approach, recognized and studied by numerous organizations, focuses on treating the whole person rather than addressing symptoms in isolation.
When I was first introduced to life with MS, my care team did not clearly explain the importance of whole-person care. Yet, despite this lack of explanation, that is exactly the model they implemented. Soon after my diagnosis, a comprehensive and coordinated plan was developed to manage my symptoms. My care team included a neuro-ophthalmologist, urologist, MS specialist, sleep medicine specialist, and a physical therapist specializing in multiple sclerosis. At the time, this fast-paced, multidisciplinary approach felt overwhelming. In retrospect, I deeply appreciate how effectively each provider worked together. This coordinated care exemplifies the essence of holistic wellness and addressing physical, emotional, and functional needs simultaneously.
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