Creative Thinking & Well-Being

Posted on October 22, 2025 by MSAA

By Stacie Prada

Being creative is generally accepted as a desirable trait, and the science supports it helps our well-being. When we look at our health physically, it’s often using objective measurements, lab test results, and diagnostic imaging. They provide numerical measurements and data to compare ourselves to a healthy range for most people.

To capture emotional well-being, we use more subjective measurements that consider mood, worry, stress, happiness, and level of confidence we feel about managing our health.

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When Creativity Finds a New Way

Posted on October 17, 2025 by MSAA

By Samuel Fitch

I wouldn’t consider myself a very creative person. But when I think back to my childhood, I remember being endlessly creative. I would make things out of cardboard, draw pictures for hours, and feel completely alive in that process. Back then, I truly believed I had a knack for art.

As I grew older, though, that creative spark seemed to fade. Life, responsibilities, and practicality took its place. Yet, I’ve realized creativity doesn’t disappear; it just changes form. For me, that form became journaling.

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Making the Most of Life After an MS Diagnosis

Posted on October 8, 2025 by MSAA

By Dr. Eva Jackson

Reflections on Life After Diagnosis

Over the past several years, I have had the privilege of hearing MS Warriors share their personal experiences following their diagnosis of multiple sclerosis. Their stories offer a unique perspective on how disease has influenced their lives.

For some individuals, the initial impact of MS was minimal, allowing them to maintain their routines and activities without significant disruption. However, for others—particularly those diagnosed during more advanced stages, the effects were much more profound and immediate, altering their daily lives in meaningful ways.

Despite these varying experiences, there is a shared understanding among all of us: the importance of making the most out of life while we can. This common outlook serves as a powerful reminder to cherish each moment and embrace opportunities for fulfillment, regardless of the challenges we face.

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Navigating Bladder and Bowel Dysfunction: A Community Perspective

Posted on October 6, 2025 by MultipleSclerosis.net

Living with multiple sclerosis (MS) can be full of surprises. One of the toughest challenges for many people is dealing with bladder and bowel issues. These are things we don’t always feel comfortable talking about, but they’re a very real part of the disease.

This article, which brings together stories and advice from people who are living with MS, is here to help you feel less alone and more in control. It’s all about sharing what we’ve learned to manage these often-secret symptoms.

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Back to School Success

Posted on September 26, 2025 by Teena Palathanam

As the school year has officially started, going back to school can be stressful for some families. Students may be battling stresses associated with academic performance, peer pressure, social anxiety, etc. On the other hand, parents are anxiously hoping that their children will have a productive year at school. It is important to set realistic expectations for your child and be prepared to anticipate challenges along the way. If you are a parent with MS, fatigue and exhaustion can hit any time. Planning and being organized is the key.

Here are some tips that can help alleviate stress associated with the transition back to school:

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Beyond the Usual: An Inside Look at Weird MS Symptoms

Posted on September 15, 2025 by MultipleSclerosis.net

Beyond the Usual: An Inside Look at Weird MS Symptoms

While many are familiar with common multiple sclerosis (MS) symptoms like fatigue, vision problems, and muscle weakness, the reality for those living with the condition often involves a bizarre and sometimes baffling array of odd manifestations.

These “weird” symptoms can be unsettling, isolating, and even comical at times, highlighting the unpredictable nature of MS.

MultipleSclerosis.net asked its community members: “Have you ever experienced what you thought was a ‘weird’ symptom and wondered if others with MS have experienced it too?” Here’s what folks had to say:

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Reset and Focus

Posted on September 10, 2025 by MSAA

By Samuel Fitch

When we think of the word reset, we often picture restarting a computer or a phone. Most problems on a device can be fixed with a simple restart. But when it comes to us—our physical, human selves—we don’t have that option. We can’t just shut down and start over.

What we can do, however, is reset.

Sometimes that means taking a few moments to clear your mind, breathe with intention, and refocus on the task at hand.

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Finding Clarity in Transition

Posted on September 5, 2025 by Kate

Our blog theme this month is transitions, and that feels very appropriately timed for me. My kids are back in school (HOW IS MY BABY IN 1st GRADE?!) and I’ve recently found myself single. So, this is a tough post and maybe a little too vulnerable, but here we are.

Needless to say, there’s been a lot of reflection (and therapy) lately, and honestly, I’m feeling pretty darn good about it. Every time life throws me a curveball (see also: MS diagnosis), I’m given an opportunity to step back and really evaluate my life, my relationships, the roles I play, how I spend my time, and the attitude I bring to all of it.

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Building your Fortress

Posted on August 25, 2025 by Teena Palathanam

An individual going through a chronic illness like MS may be hit with a multitude of emotions like loneliness, helplessness, confusion, anguish, anger, and sadness at different points in time. The uncertainty associated with MS can be immensely stressful. Having a support system, whether it be friends, family, coworkers, or therapists, can help you navigate through the toughest times. Reaching out for help from your support network is not a sign of weakness. Rather, it shows that you have a strong support system to back you up in hard times. Below are some tips to build a strong and thriving safety net:

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Building A Safety Net

Posted on August 20, 2025 by MSAA

By Monica Proctor Wilson

Hi warrior friends,

After living with MS for 18 years, one of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is the importance of building a safety net. I always encourage MS friends to: 1) Research their choice of DMT’s, 2) Find a Neurologist that specializes in MS, 3) Keep a Mental Health provider, and 4) Build a Safety Net.

Step 1- Understanding My Safety Net:
Safety net can mean different things to different people. Before I could start building my safety net, I went to the definition:

Safety net (noun): something that provides security against misfortune or difficulty.

At first, I thought I already had one. I had family and friends that loved me. After the first year, the “Let me know if you need anything” texts faded. Not because they didn’t care, but because MS is complicated—emotionally, physically, and invisibly. I realized not everyone could truly understand what I was going through. 🧡 This isn’t about blame. It’s about recognizing who I needed in my safety net.

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