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Multiple Sclerosis

Proventus

It is important to remember that MS is only one part of a person and not the person.

MS does not represent them, it is not their identity, they are as normal as the next person.  

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Teenager                                                                                                                                                                                              
The teenage years - an important period during the social and emotional development of a young adult.

Those diagnosed with MS can experience a grief reaction. Emotions and behavioural disorder may occur over time which includes;

Teenagers view life as an adventure, before them lay many avenues to explore, experiences to be had, the fun and joy of life is before them as they reach out with avid eagerness to explore. They are as the chrysalis emerging as the butterfly.

 

Diagnosed with MS teenagers can encounter challenges to their expectation of a normal life;

 

Diagnosis                                                                                                                                                                                                   

Parents of children diagnosed with MS may ask themselves “should I tell them the diagnosis”? And want to ensure they get the answer to the question right. A parent-child relationships foundations are founded on many things such as;

Their children will already aware that something is not quite right! They they know that most children do not undergo MRI or lumbar puncture, have regular visits to strangers in clinics and hospitals.

Provide honest information in a caring, gentle compassionate manner to those diagnosed with MS is better than avoiding the issue.

These are some of the issues they may worry about.

Information is empowering - talking about MS will help provide the teenager with the vocabulary they require to express themselves, especially when to talk about their feelings. They will be meeting a variety of strangers, health care professionals and the more they understand about MS the more comfortable the, health care professionals and the more they understand about MS the more comfortable the will be when dealing with others

If the parents panic the child will panic - keep calm, this will enable them to deal with the situation better

 

Support                                                                                                                                                                                                       

Social support and interaction amongst their peers is part of a teenagers growing awareness of independency and is as important for creating positive adjustment to MS as the emotional support they receive from their parents. Teenagers develop their own social structures as they mature and the relationships they develop has as much value as the caring, loving relationship which is part of family life.

Supportive friendships enable a MS teenager experience feeling of normality, distracting them from any physical problems they may encounter, helping them with mobility problems, providing a listening ear, just being there for them.

Teenagers may become guarded in sharing their emotions and anxiety with their parents in an effort to allay any worry it may cause them. It is essential for parents to have an open dialogue with their children, encouraging them to share their thoughts, feelings, and experiences related to the MS, but only when their child is ready and comfortable to do so.

Parents should also be aware that if they have other siblings they may secretly worry about whether they may develop MS. In certain circumstances such an underlying worry can cause them to avoid social contact with their brother / sister creating division with the family structure. At the right opportunity MS should be fully explained to them.

 

 

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