Shorter Days, Steadier Minds: Getting Through the Darker Months with MS

By Anita Williams

When it starts getting dark before you have finished work, the evening can feel over before it has begun. With MS, that can be even harder to deal with. Fatigue often sets in by late afternoon, and the cold can make your muscles stiffer and slower to get going. The walk you would usually take gets postponed. Going out seems like more effort. You spend more time indoors than you meant to.

The darker months can bring changes in mood, sleep, and energy, and MS can make each of those harder to manage. If you have noticed a shift, think about what has become harder and what might help.

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Unwind and Create: Find Your Calm Through Art

Finding balance in everyday life begins with recognizing what you need and giving yourself permission to prioritize it. Between daily responsibilities and the pressure to always be productive, it can be easy to overlook the signals your body sends when you need rest or a reset. Learning to listen to your body, set boundaries, and redefine productivity can help create space for your mental health and well-being. Sometimes, being productive means taking a step back, slowing down, and doing something just for yourself. Art can be one way to find that balance, offering an opportunity to unwind, express yourself, and reconnect with what brings you joy.

Whether you enjoy painting, drawing, photography, or digital art, making art can be a chance to slow down, express yourself, and focus on something that brings you joy. That is why the Multiple Sclerosis Association of America (MSAA) invites members of the MS community to participate in our annual Art Showcase!

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Deeply Rooted  

By Monica Proctor Wilson

Dear MS,

I began gardening five years ago, growing vegetables and fruits. Gardening is harder than I expected, but there is something about it that reminds me of who I am and how I got here. My roots formed long before you (MS), entered my life.

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Exploring My Roots: A Legacy of Grace and Community

By Dr. Eva Jackson


Each October, my family gathers to honor the traditions that connect our past, present, and future. Relatives travel from near and far to share stories, learn about those who came before us, create new memories, and help younger generations understand the history that shaped them. More than a reunion, this gathering is a celebration of heritage, belonging, and the bonds that hold us together.

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Ask the Expert: Pain

Featuring Barry A. Hendin, MD

MSAA’s Chief Medical Officer

Headshot of doctor Barry Hendin, chief medical officer for MSAA
Barry Hendin, MD

Question: What are the common types of pain in MS and are they treated differently?

Answer: When people with MS experience the onset of pain as a new symptom, they generally ask “why” and “can you make it go away?” I’ll try to address both questions. Although it may oversimplify the subject of pain in multiple sclerosis, I think it’s helpful to think of two major types of pain: neurogenic and nociceptive pain.

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Showing Up Builds Community

By Dan and Jennifer Digmann

To us, community is more than a group of people who happen to live in the same town, attend the same church, share an interest, or know our story.

Community is the people who show up.

They celebrate with us when life is good, stand beside us when life is difficult, and remind us that we never have to navigate life completely alone.

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It Takes a Village

By Stacie Prada

When I think of my community, I first think of where I live, my friends and neighbors who will show up for me, and those I’m compelled to show up for. In times of crisis, a surge of community help is noticeable. A call to action is made, and people rise to the occasion.

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Recognizing 10 Years of My MSAA Community

“I am so grateful for this community and the wonderful people here. It has been life-changing for me to have so much support, be able to help others, and to find great resources. Bravo, MSAA!” 

-My MSAA Community member 

This year, the Multiple Sclerosis Association of America (MSAA) is recognizing a very special milestone: the 10th anniversary of our online forum, My MSAA Community!  

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Summer Plans on a Budget: How I Make the Most of Summer Living with MS

By Nicole Robinson

Summer looks a little different when you are living with multiple sclerosis. The heat, the fatigue, the unpredictability of symptoms – it all factors into how I plan, what I commit to, and how I protect my energy while still enjoying the season. Over the years I have learned that a meaningful summer does not require a big budget or an ambitious itinerary. It requires intention. And a little planning ahead never hurts either.

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