#MS Week - let's raise awareness together

MS Awareness Week

MS Awareness Week 2020 will run from 20-26 April. It's a chance to raise awareness of multiple sclerosis, and the reality of living with it. #ThisIsMS.

Most people have a vague idea what MS is, but lots of them are a bit confused. Some people know it causes problems with how we move. But what about how we feel? And the symptoms you can't see? For MS Awareness Week, let's help everyone understand #ThisIsMS.

How do I get involved?

There are lots of ways to get involved:

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Which graphics describe your MS?

These cartoons were drawn from people's descriptions of some of the most common MS symptoms.

Download and share them on your social channels with how they feel for you using #ThisIsMS.

Let's spread the word about invisible and visible MS symptoms.

Illustration of sunshine and dark clouds. Text reads: depression
Depression graphic (JPG, 172.2 KB)
Fatigue written in orange with person walking next to it
Fatigue graphic (JPG, 137.3 KB)
Bathroom illustration. Text reads: Going repeatedly to the loo - with no results. Needing to go every 5 minutes somedays.
Loo graphic (JPG, 139.1 KB)
Illustration of person sitting on a train. Text reads: I look like I'm being lazy and selfish but I really do need that seat!
I need a seat graphic (JPG, 153.1 KB)
Illustrations of people with MS with text reading: symptoms can be incredibly varied
Symptoms graphic (JPG, 158 KB)
Illustration of person speaking. Text reads 'People say we all get tired. Not like this they don't'
Fatigue graphic (JPG, 141.9 KB)
Illustration of someone speaking. Text reads: Not remembering. Having something on the tip of your tongue.
Memory graphic (JPG, 110.4 KB)
Illustration of cactus with text reading: pins and needles
Pins and needles graphic (JPG, 153.7 KB)

Read stories about living with MS

Share your story about life with MS

Amy Thompson standing outside a door

"But you don't look ill" - the invisible symptoms of MS

Many people were shocked the first time they saw me after my MS diagnosis last year. They expected me to look different or be less able-bodied due to my diagnosis.

Read Amy's blog
Noor walking on the beach

How CBT helps me manage pain and low mood

Depression and low mood more generally are not uncommon in people with MS and pain certainly can play into this, making us feel worse. But there are ways we can manage low mood to minimise the impact it has on pain that are easy to incorporate in our day to day lives.

Read how CBT helps Noor
Photo shows MS Society Trishna Bharadia at the launch of the Song Cycle album

Dealing with uncommon symptoms and side effects

Trishna writes about experiencing unexpected symptoms, associated with her MS, including chronic urticaria (“hives”) and angiodema (deep tissue swelling)

Read Trishna's blog about unusual symptoms

Fundraise, campaign, volunteer

Graphic: heads and shoulders of two ladies talking in profile with cogs above their heads

Shape how we work

We're recruiting for trustees and national council members right now. Could you help make sure we understand and deliver what our community needs?

Volunteer to shape how we work
Walkers on MS Walk 2017

MS Walk London

Sunday 20 September 2020 - 10:00 AM | Battersea Park

Join us in London next September for MS Walk. Walk, roll or stroll to stop MS and turn the streets orange for MS.

Sign up for MS Walk London today

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Two MS Society group members high fiving