I need help and have no idea where to get it

[Jeaniej27]

I am 22 year old living with ms I was diagnosed at 17 my symptoms are mild to moderate. However now as I am 22 and will be 23 in a few months I struggle with my mental health the most. I quite honestly have no idea what I’m doing and where I’m going with my life I sought out therapy before but none have enough knowledge of this disability to help me and ways for me to succeed I am struggling can anyone give me a piece of advice or point me in the direction of therapist who specialize in MS I need SOMETHING.

[Xvettech]

hi. I’m sorry to hear all you have to deal with. I’m sorry I don’t know what to suggest except seek out dr who specializes in MS. This is a really hard thing to deal with. I find exercise helps me and so does praying. Best wishes in everything!

[Fancy59 CommunityAmbassador]

Jeaniej27, I am so sorry that em has attacked you at such a young age and you feel so lost. Finding this MSAA chat room will be a big benefit to you.You will learn that you're not so lost and you're not alone and we will walk with you hand-in-hand through every stage and every obstacle that MS throws in your way. At 1 time when I had this Awful neurologist that told me he could do nothing further for me and suggested I go home and just forget about it. WelI I went home and cried for 2 weeks and then picked myself up off the floor and start thinking about options much like you are doing. I wound up calling The National MS Society at1 800 fight MS and they directed me to a MS specialist neurologist in the city that I lived in or was close to. I know for me, finding a great MS neurologist was a lifesaver. The national MS society had different MS offices around the country that they called their partners in hope.That's where I went to was a partner in hope. Within this practice they recommend one doctor specifically and that's who I wound up going to. I stayed with him until he moved out of the region and I was sad to see him go. . Try this however I'm sure it will help you tremendously.Please keep in touch and let us know how you're doing. Remember that we are stronger together! Fancy59.

[NorasMom]

If your depression and concerns revolve around the MS itself, perhaps joining a local MS group would help. It would give you a chance to interact socially with real people who have the disease, and maybe they could give you some ideas on coping.

Also, at 22/23 most people have a lot of concerns about the future and where their lives are going. That part is quite normal. I don't want to pat you on the head and say that everything's going to be okay, but I'm willing to be that your life will click together over the next few years. You just need to get through a couple frustrating and frightening years.

I've successfully used Lutheran Services counselors on several occasions in the past. They're trained social workers, not psychiatrists, and they charge a nominal income-based fee. They're also nondenominational and won't discuss religion with you unless that's something you bring up. What I liked about them is that they didn't try to psychoanalyze me. We talked the way I would with a favorite aunt, and sometimes the best thing for you is to just be able to sit down with someone who actually listens.

[kdali]

Welcome! Pediatric psychology services would be my best guess. Many also see adults, and some practices have profiles of each person that list which conditions they are experienced in. My second guess is asking your neuro to recommend who their patients like to see, preferably if said patients are a similar age and disease duration as yourself.

[Jeaniej27 in reply to kdali]

there is no MS groups locally near me I spent hours trying to look them up. That’s what got me here to this chat but thank you for your reply

[Zoolida in reply to Jeaniej27]

I don’t have any local groups but I have found several MS support groups on Facebook that are helpful

[carolek572 CommunityAmbassador]

Hello  Jeaniej27 , and welcome to this forum. Please visit mymsaa.org because there are many resources available. You might even want to call them at 1-800-532-7667 and speak with someone that can assist you. I look forward to hearing more from you. Glad that you found this forum and hope that we can help each other.

[Peruzzot]

Both the National Multiple Sclerosis Society and Multiple Sclerosis Association of America have resources that you can lookup and numbers you can call to find MS specialists in your area or that you can contact via telemedicine technologies if there isn't someone close to you.

[Cwright170994]

If you like in the UK, I've got definite answers for you ❤️ get in touch with your local council's social worker, and they'll get you referred to a therapist. They'll also be able to tell you of where different activities are held at, and the social worker service will be with you for ever 🫂 in the meantime, there's the Mind charity. They've definitely helped my head last year 😢mind.org.uk/about-us/contac...

Send me a message if you need someone to talk to, because I'm always here 🫂

[Robsmom]

Please reach out to MS Society, MSAA or MS Foundation, yhey all have great resources. Also, if you're on an MS drug (DMT) most drug companies also have resources.

[sMilEs_N_bLuE_sKiEs]

breathing techniques could be useful, and talking out loud whether it be to someone or by yourself. Having a support group like this allows someone to vent and receive advice. We are here for you! A lot of what goes on in our heads is just confusing as we continue to age. The more difficult the decision is, the more confusing it is to figure out… at least that’s the feeling. It sometimes is as simple as just making a decision, the hard part about that is not wanting to make a mistake. The cool thing (if there’s a cool thing) about mistakes and failures; you will grow and become a stronger person than who you were before.

There are great people is this group always willing to listen and give support in whatever way they are able to do. It’s a family!

[sashaming1]

Look up therapists on-line to see if they mention anything about MS and get their phone numbers so you can give them a call to ask them if they have any expertise with MS. Also make sure that you are on a DMT. Also there are some MS websites that may be able to help.

[RoyceNewton]

G'day, how are you today. What do you like to do? Serious question.

Royce

[lbenmaor]

I'm sorry you have to go through this. My suggestion is to contact an MS Specialist.

Leslie

[Shadowperson]

contact the Mayo Clinic or Johns Hopkins for a referral. they wont leave you hanging. Your insurance company may also have a list of specialists who could help, in addition to what Fancy 59 comments. Prayer works well for me, too.

[Tazmanian]

Ask your neurologist for help he/she probably knows someone

[stepsforNeeC]

Welcome Jeanie, First just remember MS at any age can weigh heavy on our spirits. As individuals we have tools that work best for each individual. If you have a good rapport with your Neurologist discuss your concerns and see what services are available in your area. Praying for you, never feel alone even if it's just our group. Great community of support. Keep us posted. National MS Society may also have resources for young adults with MS. Blessings and Peace NeeC

[Sandydemop]

Teletherapy is great. try finding someone who deals with chronic illness. Open Path has therapists for low fee.