MS Helpline 0808 800 8000
Forum About us
MS Helpline 0808 800 8000
Forum About us

Physical and mental health

Looking after your physical and mental health can help you live well with MS. 

Some key ways to do this are to:

  • Have a healthy diet
  • Give up smoking
  • Keep active
  • Get support to manage any mental health issues
  • Explore ways to cope with stress, like mindfulness

Find out more about each of these in this section.

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In this section

Eating and drinking

A healthy diet is good for everyone. We look at evidence and advice for drinking and eating well when you have MS.

MS and mental health

The emotional effects of MS often go undiagnosed, but there are ways to manage them. Find out more about depression, stress and anxiety.

Staying active

However MS affects you, exercise will help you stay as healthy as possible. All kinds of movement can be good for you. You might enjoy sports, while someone else may prefer Tai Chi or yoga. Gentler activities like gardening and cleaning use your muscles too.

Mindfulness and MS

Life can be stressful, and MS doesn’t help. It’s easy to get caught up in our thoughts and worries. Mindfulness is one way people take back control.

Sleep and MS

Lots of people with MS have sleep problems, and the effects of MS can cause trouble sleeping. There are ways to sleep better and improve ‘sleep hygiene’.

Oral health

The symptoms of MS and some drug treatments can make it harder to get to the dentist or keep your teeth and gums healthy. Sometimes fairly simple changes can make things easier.

Sex and relationships

Lots of us have difficulties with sex at one time or another. And MS can throw extra challenges into the mix. But however MS affects you, and whether you’re single or in a relationship, there are ways to enjoy sex and intimacy.

Smoking and MS

There's a range of things you can do to manage your MS. And if you smoke, making a plan to give up is one of them.
Members of a local group chatting at a group meeting

Find support near you

Our local groups are starting to meet face-to-face again. We've made sure any activities can happen in a COVID-safe way. Each group will go at their own pace, and you'll still find lots happening online. From coffee mornings to online yoga classes – put in your postcode to find out what's near you.

Speak to someone who knows MS

Our free MS Helpline gives emotional support and information to everyone living with MS. We’re here Monday to Friday, 9am to 7pm except bank holidays on 0808 800 8000.

We're a mix of paid staff and volunteers, MS nurses, benefits and legal specialists, health and social care and fitness experts. We all know life with MS.

Send us a private message on Facebook messenger. Or send us an email: [email protected]. We're only a click or call away.

Learn more about our MS Helpline services