You don't want to let MS become the main focus of your life, although it's easy to understand how it happens. Dealing with an illness can make you feel trapped in an endless cycle of medical appointments, treatments, and self-analysis. It's important not to fall into that trap. Reminding yourself that MS is only a part of your life can help you keep things in perspective. Keep up with your friends, your favorite activities, and your hobbies.

Putting things in perspective requires you to assess your self-esteem. If you measure life events with MS as your backdrop, you are bound to feel challenged and depressed. It's important to feel good about who you are and where you are in life. What do the words “good enough” mean to you? Can you accept yourself just as you are? Can you create a space in your life that brings you happiness and joy — a reality that exists outside of MS?

See yourself as a victor, not a victim. It may help to see MS as a challenge rather than something to defeat.

Keep an MS-free zone in your life. How often do you talk about it during the day? Does it dominate your conversations with your family? If you feel it is taking more of your time and energy than you would like it to, then it may be time to start defining your boundaries. Create a time during the week when you can talk about how you're feeling with your family members or friends and resolve not to discuss MS the rest of the time. This way, you are creating a space where you can enjoy conversations with your loved ones without reverting to topics on your health.

Learning to cope with an MS diagnosis takes time. Initially, your world will feel turned upside down, so allow yourself time to grieve before picking up the reins and wrestling control. Finding and accepting support, learning as much as you can about MS, and coming up with a plan will go a long way in helping you to come to a place of acceptance. Remember that this is a process, and it will likely take some time before you get there.