How to support a friend
Hello! I am friend with a person who has MS. She discovered it 4 years ago, when we were in college. After 2 years taking drugs and going to doctors, she decided to quit therapy because it was affecting her negatively and moved to another Country. She had recently a new episode and she's scary, far from home and in pain, but still not sure about therapies. I would like to support here (even if I am in a different Country), but I am worried about her conditions. I secretly hope she will start taking more seriously the idea of consulting new doctors but I cannot impose anything on her, as I got why she decided to leave any treatment. She started closing herself, reducing communication and I do not how/when reach her, as I do not want to invade her space but I still care about her. Any suggestion?
Contact her and let her talk and listen as a friend first. Let her know how much you care about her and that you are there to help her if and when she needs you. Don’t talk about MS. Just open up to her as a friend. Let the MS part evolve on its own.
Hi
. has given you some great advice. A diagnosis of MS can lead to depression and anger. Some people push loved ones away because it is easier to be angry than it is to confront their illness. Keep trying (gently) even if she rejects your friendship. Someday, she will emerge from this fog and she will be grateful that you are still there. She is fortunate. You are a good friend. Best wishes! - Lori (Team Member)
