Feeling overwhelmed by your diagnosis is a natural response. The unknown can conjure up all sorts of doubts and fears about the future. If one thing is for sure, it is that you have more questions than answers right now: What sort of course will my MS take? Will the role I play in my family change? How will I tell my children? How do I make room for this disease in my life?

While these are all important questions, the good news is that they don't all have to be answered today. Taking it one step at a time and breaking up the “big picture” into easy and manageable tasks will help reduce stress and make the coming days easier to handle. You'll need time to cope with the emotional and mental adjustments. Go easy on yourself initially. Cancel an appointment, have dinner delivered, or meet a friend for coffee. You don't have to grapple with the big questions all at once. They'll still be there tomorrow.

Some people may feel relieved when they are diagnosed because they've finally found an explanation for some of the symptoms that have been plaguing them. They've been aware that something is wrong, but their complaints have been dismissed or attributed to something else, such as stress. It is empowering for some people to finally get an answer and take advantage of the treatments and resources available to them. Becoming aware of your condition allows you to take an active part in your treatment and plan for your future.