I figured I would make this a blog post instead of filming a Part II to, “How to Help a Friend with Multiple Sclerosis.” I did not realize I was talking to a camera that was not even turned on, until after talking for about twenty minutes. Thus, I was not able to talk about the ten ways to help a friend with Multiple Sclerosis, rather I was only able to touch upon the six that I mentioned in my video. I am just going to number some things down that did not get recorded and I hope it completes my video in a sense!
7) Do not get mad when we drop things.
This was a big one because I am sure there are many of you with Multiple Sclerosis who drop things all the time just like me. I oftentimes found people getting upset with me when I did happen to drop things. My question is, why are you even letting us MSers hold things when you know very well, that we will most likely drop it? I personally find it hard when people give me a hard time for dropping things however, I do tend to rush things. Maybe if I slowed down, I would stop dropping things on the ground! If your friend with Multiple Sclerosis also drops things all the time, just be supportive!
8) Let us sleep!
I am sure most of you experience fatigue especially if you have Multiple Sclerosis. This is something I hate during the day when I try to get things done however, I personally find that five minute naps recharge me in a sense! The five minute naps I do take, feels like I sleep for an hour. With the drug I am currently taking (Ocrevus), I find that it makes me even more fatigued than usual. So if you have a friend with Multiple Sclerosis, I think you should let them sleep without getting upset :P
9) Do not be mad when we experience weird emotions.
This one was another one I wanted to mention in my video because I definitely go through many moods with my Multiple Sclerosis. One moment I can be the happiest girl and then I would be crying a few seconds later for absolutely no reason. It is embarrassing when I do that but the one thing I find that helps control my mood is by meditating! If your friend with Multiple Sclerosis is also experiencing this, just be understanding and do not get upset with them! I think it would be helpful if you also meditate with them!
10) Don't rush us to walk fast
This one was more personal for me and I am sure many of you will be able to relate to me on this. I have mentioned before how my body does not function properly when I am rushed to do things. This is usually because when I am rushed to do things (like walk across the street in 10 seconds), I tend to stress out a lot. When us MSers stress out, I do feel like it worsens our symptoms with MS. If your friend has a harder time walking , I think you should lend them a hand or walk at their pace because they will appreciate it!
- Pree
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