Beth Dibiase, LCSW

1
Coping with Multiple Sclerosis

• Beth Dibiase, LCSW
• International multiple sclerosis management
  practice symposium
• Sunday, november 15, 2009

2
MS Diagnosis

• Crisis and coping

3
MS Diagnosis brings into question

• Bodily intactness and integrity
• The first ego is a body ego. -Sigmund Freud
• Expected future
• Relationship stability
• Employment
• Place in the world

4
Factors impacting ability to cope with initial
diagnosis

• Symptom load
• Symptom severity
• Bedside manner of the diagnoser
• Level of support
• Age at time of diagnosis
• Patient knowledge of MS vs. perception of MS
• Personality
• Knauder, E. Diagnosis of MS, psychological
  reactions and initial steps in coping. MS
  Compass, 2006.

5
Grief and Mourning

• Applying the kübler-ross model
• To living with ms

6
Kübler-Ross Stages of Grief and Mourning

• Denial
• Anger
• Bargaining
• Depression
• Acceptance

7
Cycle of Grief/Mourning in MS
8
Acceptance

• Adaptation
• Ability to be flexible
• Knowing you can deal with whatever happens
• Coping mechanisms

9
Coping Strategies

• Developing skills to handle life
• with ms

10
Coping Defined

• Managing external and/or internal demands that
  tax of exceed the resources of an individual.
  (Sullivan, et al.)

• External Demands
• Work
• Relationships
• Finances
• Management Strategies
• MS treatment
• Physical therapy
• Nutritious diet

• Internal Demands
• Self-image
• Pride
• Anxiety
• Management Strategies
• Re-framing thoughts
• Using feelings
• Using strengths

11
Coping Skills

• Meaning
• Defining self
• Relationships
• Good Stress vs. Bad Stress
• Accepting HELP

12
Thank you.