‘I think it had just hit me emotionally’

Susan Shires, 35, from Arbroath, lives with her three-year-old daughter and works part-time.

She was diagnosed with relapsing remitting MS in June 2019, after eight months of tests.

She said: “When I was first diagnosed I felt positive about it all, I did my research and physically I felt OK apart from a few symptoms.

“Three months after my diagnosis, I suddenly started crying and couldn’t stop. I think it had just hit me emotionally which was very challenging.”

She arranged counselling through My MS, My Way and felt the benefits immediately.

“It gave me a good chance to sit and have an hour away from the hustle and bustle of life and focus on me and how I was coping.

“She made me realise I’m coping well and am stronger and doing a better job than I realise, which I remind myself still if I’m having a bad day.

“The truth is, sometimes I do need help”

Kirsty Stevens, 34, is a designer who studied art in Dundee and continues to receive treatment at Ninewells Hospital.

She was diagnosed with relapsing MS in 2007 after around a year of experiencing symptoms.

Kirsty began to take a more active role in some My MS, My Way: Tayside sessions as a facilitator and has enjoyed the opportunity to connect with other people with similar experiences.

Kirsty said: “I would have loved for something like the My MS, My Way: Tayside project to have been available when I was first diagnosed.

“I know that for me, I have had my treatment put on hold because of the pandemic and there’s a lot of uncertainty around that and so many other things.

“I certainly felt, and at times still do, that I don’t need this or that support but the truth is that sometimes I do need help and what’s available is fantastic.”

Susan Shires has spoken about her emotional journey.