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Telling people you have MS

Telling people you have multiple sclerosis can be hard, but talking about your MS to friends family and colleagues could really help. Especially if you need some extra support.

Accepting your MS diagnosis yourself can be difficult, let alone having to break the news to others. Being able to open up about something sensitive takes courage and practice.

If you find it hard talking about personal issues, there are techniques that can help. Try writing down what you want to get across to the person you are telling, or doing some role-playing with someone you trust beforehand.

It is a very personal thing, your health, but I don't see why I shouldn't be upfront. I'm not embarrassed about my MS, it's a fact of life.

You don't have to tell everyone at once, but equally if you want to tell the world, there's nothing holding you back. Explore our pages on talking to friends, family, children and colleagues for more information and tips.

Find out more about talking about MS

Talking about MS

If people know about your MS and how it affects you, they'll be in a better place to offer support if and when you need it.

Talking to friends and family

This page takes you through some of the things you might want to consider when telling parents, partners and children you have MS and has some tips about how to tell them and how to deal with their reactions.

Explaining MS to children

A lot of people worry about how to explain MS to their children, and how they will take the news. Read our tips on talking to children, and download resources to help you.

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Working and MS

This section will help you understand what a diagnosis of MS can mean for your working life. There's information for employers, and some practical tools to help you manage your MS at work.

Sex and relationships

Lots of us have difficulties with sex at one time or another. And MS can throw extra challenges into the mix. But however MS affects you, and whether you’re single or in a relationship, there are ways to enjoy sex and intimacy.

Community blogs, MS stories and more

Our wonderful community bloggers share their MS stories. They're here to reassure you that you're not alone and offer their tips on living with MS.

Members of a local group chatting at a group meeting

Find support near you

Our local groups are starting to meet face-to-face again. We've made sure any activities can happen in a COVID-safe way. Each group will go at their own pace, and you'll still find lots happening online. From coffee mornings to online yoga classes – put in your postcode to find out what's near you.