The young person's guide to MS Some tips for coping
If you are finding things difficult or upsetting, sometimes it can be a huge relief to talk to somebody else about your worries. This might be your parent with MS, another member of your family, a friend, teacher, young persons' group or helpline. Most towns have a young persons' group, and helplines are useful if you don't want to talk face-to-face with someone. The contact details of some sources of information and support can be found at the back of this book.
Talking about your worries may make them easier to deal with, or someone might come up with an idea to help that you hadn't thought of. Over the next few pages some young people share their ideas and tips about what they do to help them cope.
Remember, there's no need to feel alone.
Make time for yourself
MS will have an impact on your life, but it is also important to make sure that you have some time to yourself and that you don't allow MS to dominate everything. Try to find the time to do something that you enjoy, whether this is reading a book, listening to music, drawing, singing, playing an instrument or computer games.
Physical activity is especially great when you feel down, frustrated or stressed. As well as being good for you and getting you fit, it can be a good way of meeting new people and spending some time away from the house. If sport isn't your thing, you might be interested in joining a drama, dance or photography group.
"I talk to a very close friend of mine whose dad has ME and knows what I'm going through."
Laura, 12
"Try not to worry even though it is hard not to and if your mum is going through a difficult time leave her and don't get into an argument. Let her calm down and then talk to her about what has just happened."
Sarah, 12
"I talk to my mum about things and say I'm finding it hard. She is great and really listens to my problems; we try to work together to solve them. I had to do a lot of the housework, but mum listened and now we have a cleaner who comes once a week. I feel so much happier and our house is so much tidier."
Jodie, 13
"You're not alone. There are lots of other people who have parents or relatives with the illness. There are many organisations that you can talk to and MS isn't as bad as some other illnesses."
Jonny, 13
"I go out and see my friends. That often takes my mind away from things for a while and I can have a sociable time with my mates or ring either of my older sisters."
Sam, 14
"If you are upset don't bottle it up, be brave and tell the parent who has it the way you feel and they can reassure you."
Teresa, 12
"I talk about it to my friends Kelly and Becky, my grandma and dad."
Mollie, 11
"I have a cuddle with my mum and we cry together. I could also talk to people who come to our school every Wednesday, but I haven't as yet."
Jessica, 12
"I talk to my friends or mum. I leave dad for a while because I'll only get angry, then I talk to him. Life's too short to be angry with or without MS."
Peter, 14
"I go out with my friends and have a good time or even stay over at someone's house for a night and then come home and I can deal with it better as I have my head cleared and prepared."
Hayley, 13
"When I go to my street dance classes I de-stress, let my hair down and focus my mind on other things."
Rachel, 11
"I will either put on my playstation or I will go into my room and play my music."
Patrick, 14
"I make sure my mum is cosy and has everything she wants and leave her alone to rest whilst I play with my Lego that I love."
Nathan, 12
"I write songs to help me express my emotions and it always makes me feel better."
Claire, 14
"I've recently joined a football team, so even though dad can't play any more he can still come and watch me. It's great fun, I've made a couple of new friends and giving the football a good kick is a great way to get rid of any frustrations."
Daniel, 12
"I batter my pillow."
Jack, 11