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Finding out you have multiple sclerosis early can be life-changing. Early treatment can help reduce the severity and frequency of symptoms, and it can prevent future disabilities. It also allows you to make lifestyle changes that can help you manage the disease better and improve your overall well-being.

A new diagnosis every five minutes

Every five minutes, someone in the world learns they have MS. This startling fact shows just how important it is to spread awareness and speed up diagnoses.

MS doesn’t spare kids

MS isn’t just an adult problem; kids can get it too. At least 30,000 children under 18 are living with MS worldwide. This highlights how the disease can affect anyone, no matter their age.

Millions affected globally

More than 2.8 million people around the world live with MS. This chronic illness affects not just individuals, but their families too, causing immense physical, emotional, and financial strain.

More women than men

MS affects more women than men, with about twice as many women (69 percent) diagnosed compared to men (31 percent).

Complex and invisible symptoms

Diagnosing MS isn’t easy. There’s no single test that can confirm it. Doctors use multiple tests to rule out other possible causes before confirming an MS diagnosis. This process can be long and complicated. Many MS symptoms aren’t visible, such as fatigue, memory problems, and chronic pain. This can lead to misunderstandings and lack of support from others who don’t see what you’re going through.

No known cause and no cure

Despite a lot of research, we still don’t know what causes MS, and there’s no cure yet. This uncertainty adds extra stress for those living with the disease and their loved ones. However, treatments are available that can help manage symptoms and improve quality of life.

The effect on families

Living with MS is a tough journey, not just for those diagnosed, but also for their families. The daily struggles and emotional toll can be overwhelming. Lack of awareness and understanding, especially in the workplace, has led to many people losing their jobs or being treated unfairly, which only adds to their burden.

Workplace challenges and protections

At work, many people with MS face discrimination and unfair treatment because of a lack of awareness. Some have lost their jobs or been forced to leave because of their condition. This is not only unfair but also illegal in many places. There are laws to protect people with MS in the workplace. Employers can’t fire or discriminate against someone just because they have MS. There are penalties for companies that break these laws. These protections are there to ensure that people with MS have the same rights and opportunities as everyone else.

Barriers to early diagnosis

Around the world, 83 percent of countries face big challenges in diagnosing MS early. These challenges include:
 

• People not knowing about MS symptoms
• Healthcare professionals not recognizing MS symptoms
• Lack of trained doctors to diagnose MS
• Costs or travel making it hard for people to get tested
• Lack of specialized medical equipment or tests
• Red tape and inefficiency in health systems
• High costs of diagnosis making it unaffordable for governments or insurance

The biggest hurdle is the lack of awareness about MS symptoms, both among the public and healthcare professionals.

Therapy and counselling: A lifeline

Therapy and counselling are vital for people with MS. Physical therapy can help manage pain and improve mobility. Occupational therapy assists in adapting daily tasks to make life easier. Counselling provides emotional support, helping individuals cope with the stress, anxiety, and depression that often accompany chronic illnesses. These therapies are different from medical treatments because they focus on improving your quality of life and helping you adjust to living with MS.

MS is a tough disease that affects millions of people globally. The lack of awareness, complex diagnosis process, and no cure make it a hard fight. But with early diagnosis, proper treatment, therapy, counselling, and support from society, people with MS can lead better lives. It’s crucial we all learn more about MS, spread awareness, and stand by those who are affected. Together, we can make a real difference.