Exclusive Content

Stress is the enemy. Anyone living with multiple sclerosis knows that. We’re told to avoid it, to manage it, and to reduce it, because stress doesn’t just make life harder; it makes our symptoms worse. But, what happens when stress isn’t just an occasional hurdle, it is the world we’re living in?

Right now, people are stretched thin. Prices are rising, jobs are disappearing, and everything from getting healthcare to just filling your gas tank feels more difficult. It’s a silent pressure that keeps building. For those of us living with MS, that pressure can trigger flares, worsen fatigue, and leave us feeling like we’re barely holding it together.

When I was first diagnosed, I knew that stress could be a factor but I didn’t fully grasp how mental health and MS were intertwined until I experienced it firsthand. A job loss, financial uncertainty, and fear about the future weren’t just external worries, they became internal battles, and my body responded in kind with numbness, fatigue, brain fog, and pain. It was like my nervous system was waving a white flag, begging for relief I didn’t know how to give.

And here’s the part that often gets overlooked: mental health is physical health when you have MS. We’re not just managing lesions on an MRI, we’re managing life. When life feels out of control, it’s no wonder our MS symptoms follow suit. Depression and anxiety are more common in people with MS than in the general population. It’s probably because of the lesions on our brain as well as the fact that we’re constantly navigating an unpredictable body in an unpredictable world.

So what do we do when the pressure keeps mounting?

First, we have to name it. Too often, we push through and pretend we’re fine because the world doesn’t slow down for us. But pretending doesn’t protect us. Acknowledging our emotional reality is the first step in managing it.

Second, we need tools. Not all of us have access to therapy or specialized care, but we can build small practices into our daily lives. Coping skills such as mindfulness, journaling, faith, and building connections are lifelines to help manage stress. For me, just taking a moment to breathe, pray, or sit in silence can help reset my nervous system. It doesn’t make the stress go away, but it gives me a little more strength to carry it.

Finally, we need to give ourselves grace. If you're struggling right now, you’re not alone and you're not failing. You’re human. Living with MS in today’s world isn’t easy. It’s okay to say that out loud. It’s okay to ask for help.

MS is unpredictable. Life is unpredictable. But your peace doesn’t have to be.

So what can we do, right now, to protect our mental health in the middle of the madness? Here are a few small, realistic steps that have made a big difference for me and others in the MS community:

1. Check in with yourself daily. Ask yourself: What am I feeling today? Naming emotions gives them less power over you. Even a simple journal entry or voice note can help you process what’s going on beneath the surface.
2. Create “mental health margins.”  Build in space between stressors. That could be five minutes of deep breathing before your next call, stepping outside for fresh air, or putting your phone down for an hour. Margins make room for healing.
3. Find one calming ritual that works for you. Whether it's prayer, meditation, a gratitude list, or listening to calming music, find something that pulls you back from the edge. For me, it’s taking five deep breaths and quietly praying. That pause brings me back into the moment.
4. Reach out before you spiral. Text a friend. Join a virtual support group. Call someone who gets it. You don’t have to explain everything but just saying, “I’m having a tough day” can release pressure and open space for support.
5. Redefine what “success” looks like. Some days, success might be simply getting out of bed. Other days, it’s making a meal, getting through a workday, or advocating for yourself. Celebrate the small wins. They matter more than you think.

Protecting your mental health is not selfish. It’s survival and self-respect. For people living with MS, it’s also disease management. You’re navigating a hard road with courage most people can’t see. The world might not slow down, but you can. You can choose calm. You can choose compassion for yourself.

Even in the storm of stress, peace is still possible.