Posters
Men are from Mars: building a group for male relatives of people with multiple sclerosis in the West Sussex area
Jo Johnson, Consultant Neuropsychologist, West Sussex; Lisa Black, MS Specialist Nurse, Sussex Partnership NHS Trust.
Abstract
It is clear from everyday clinical practice that whilst a patient with multiple sclerosis (MS) may get sufficient support from various professionals and organisations, their partners are often left out. This is particularly relevant to MS as many people are diagnosed in their 30's or 40's. This is the age when many people are starting their families, establishing careers, and generally building a life with positive hopes for the future.
Frequently, men do not have support systems that are as extensive as women's. We know from the relevant literature that all carers are more vulnerable to both mental and physical health problems, but men are also more likely to adopt negative coping strategies such as inappropriate expression of anger or misusing alcohol.
Given their age, male partners of people with MS are often working when healthcare professionals conduct home visits. Many females with MS had been telling professionals that their partners were not coping despite outward appearances. Some had stopped seeing friends, others were showing symptoms of depression, anxiety or overworking. Many of these women felt that their partner's distress was having a negative impact on the family unit.
It was decided to explore the need for a group for men living with somebody with MS. Letters were sent out to the male partners inviting them to an information evening at a local hotel, away from the healthcare setting. After the initial meeting feedback questionnaires were completed. The feedback demonstrated that there was a clear need for this group. Six meetings on, and with an ever increasing number of members, the group is proving a great success.