How do you guys handle the anxiety that comes with having MS?

First let me say, I am so glad that you're here! I completely understand your nervousness and the many thoughts you may have being recently diagnosis. But I reassure you, we are here for you and many have been where you are so support is here for you. As far as dealing with anxiety around your health, there are many things you can do to help ease the the stress. I want to share with you an article from one of our contributors that gives some great advice on this topic, you can access it here- https://multiplesclerosis.net/living-with-ms/handle-anxiety. Here is also a hub where we discuss mental health and you'll find so me great tips there also- https://multiplesclerosis.net/coping-ms-mental-health. Lastly, because all of this is so new for you, I would highly encourage you to journal and keep a log of how your feeling and any symptoms you may experience. This will make for a productive and proactive doctors visit in the future because you will have your notes to reference. All in all, recognize what you can control, create realistic goals and plans, stay active to the best of your ability, and lean on your support system. You're certainly not alone and if there is anything else you need please do not hesitate to reach out. We're here for you, Latoya (Team Member)

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Thanks for reaching out. We are so glad you found this community.
A recent diagnosis can certainly be overwhelming.
In addition to what Latoya shared, I thought I'd include these two additional articles on a new diagnosis: https://multiplesclerosis.net/newly-diagnosed-patient and https://multiplesclerosis.net/living-with-ms/a-few-thoughts-for-the-newly-diagnosed
Please know this community is here for help and support.
Warmly, Doreen (Team Member)

Hi, Serena24, I"m so glad you found us! I was diagnosed in 1981 after three years of the endless diagnostic process, and I was scared to death for exactly the same reasons you are! But in 1981, there were no disease modifying therapies, there was so much shame associated with being chronically ill, there was even more shame associated with being a woman having an autoimmune disease. I mean if our own immune system was attacking us, it must be our fault we were sick, right?

Well, here I am forty six years later, and guess what. We know so much more! There are so many different DMTs to choose from! And I dare you to blame a woman for having an autoimmune disease -- my own opinion is that women are so amazingly strong and resilient, the only thing that could attack a woman is her OWN immune system, because nothing else would have the NERVE. Yes, I'm joshing you, because all I really want to do is give you a big hug, and not an MS hug, and reassure you. Yes MS is very scary, but you're in a good position to look it in the face and tell it to back off. You are young, you have many choices of disease modifying therapies to take, and we know a lot about how to live well with this disease. Know you're among friends, and start learning about how to do your best with this disease. In addition to this site, I'd like to recommend Dr. Aaron Boster, who has a YouTube channel devoted to living your best life with MS. Here's a link for his channel, and a brand new video he posted today about what to do if you've just been diagnosed. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ERrccVrtFGk

Serena24, you are not alone. We're here for you and for all our community members. And there are 140000 folks on this forum who have some idea of what you're going through. You're not weird, and you're not crazy, even though sometimes you feel like you must be because nobody could ever have had this weird a symptom before. there's no CURE for MS. But I'm here to tell you that you can be healed, and it's my prayer that with help, you will find peace with your diagnosis, and you'll find yourself at home in your body no matter what it throws at you. After all, you are YOU, Serena24, and nobody knows better than you who you are and who you want to be. I defy any disease to stand up against that.

Much love, Therry, a Team Member

thank you so much for your kind words. I haven't had a look at the links yet but I will soon. It's just that so much of my life is changing right now. And i was just starting to feel better with my mental health when I got that diagnosis and it pushed me back 10 steps. 🙁