Is This What I Signed Up For?

By Lizzie Rubin, a certified sex therapist

As a partner to someone who lives with MS, you know that it is not a walk in the park. The diagnosis comes with its own set of pressure, stress, and worry. 

You probably want to be a loving and supportive partner, help your partner feel good, and function to the best of their capacity. At the same time, you fight your own demons and might feel anxious and frustrated.

As we’ve already mentioned before, open communication is key! You should be able to discuss your personal issues, your stress, and whatever is happening in your life with your partner. You shouldn’t worry that you add to their burden. Their MS diagnosis does not change the fact that they are still your partners.

It would help if you also communicated the importance of doing things for yourself to avoid burnout.  Remember that in order to be there for your loved ones- you need to be the best version of yourself. And to do that- you need to find a form of self-care that works for you.

If you have any related questions, or subjects you want to discuss, please don’t hesitate to ask, either here or in the Sexuality & MS group.

How do you support and help your partner while making sure you take care of yourself? Please share with others in the group.

Yours,

The BelongMS Team

This content is provided for your general education and information only. It does not necessarily reflect Belong’s views and opinions. Belong does not endorse or support any specific product, service, or treatment.

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