By 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.
I am especially grateful that I began therapy before being diagnosed with MS. Working through past traumas helped prepare me emotionally for the grief, fear, and identity changes that can come with MS. MS changed my confidence, independence, relationships, and emotional balance. Therapy gave me tools to process those changes in healthier and more constructive ways.
Some days, my mental and emotional wellness looks like resting without guilt, which includes napping, allowing others to help, setting boundaries, and being honest about my needs. I have learned that these small daily habits make my MS feel less overwhelming. Staying social is essential to my emotional well-being because isolation can easily affect mental health. I enjoy doing crossword puzzles and using sticker books, which help keep my mind active while giving me a sense of calm and focus. Self-help group meetings are also an important part of my mental health journey because being surrounded by other Warriors brings comfort, connection, and encouragement.
Healing does not always happen in big moments. Sometimes it begins with small daily habits that help you feel supported, grounded, and hopeful each day. And sometimes it helps when a wise warrior friend who recently shared the importance of giving herself grace. She explained that there are days when her energy is low or her emotions feel heavy, but she has stopped judging herself for needing to slow down. Instead, she tries to listen to her body, celebrate small victories, and focus on what she can do rather than what she cannot. Practicing gratitude, leaning on her support system, and making time for self-care have all helped her build resilience and maintain hope. She also shared that living with MS has taught her that mental and emotional wellness are just as important as physical health.
I hope May’s recognition of Mental Health Awareness Month was good for you. Continue finding joy in your life with MS.
About Monica:
I’m Monica Proctor Wilson, and I’ve been living with multiple sclerosis for 19 years. I facilitate a self-help group called SPEAK MS, where we Share Personal Experience and Knowledge of MS, connect, and keep each other uplifted. I’m also an MS advocate and serve on the Government Relations Advisory Council, working to make sure the voices of people with MS are heard at every level. In 2023, I was honored to receive the National MS Society’s Inspiration Award. My passion is helping others find strength, purpose, and community while navigating life with MS.
