Is it common to feel sad when people stop talking to you after becoming disabled with MS?
Yes, many people with MS experience sadness and hurt when friends fade away. This is a common and painful experience that you're not alone in feeling.
A MyMSTeam member shared: "Seems like as soon as I started telling people what was Show Full Answer
Is it common to feel sad when people stop talking to you after becoming disabled with MS?
Yes, many people with MS experience sadness and hurt when friends fade away. This is a common and painful experience that you're not alone in feeling.
A MyMSTeam member shared: "Seems like as soon as I started telling people what was wrong with me, they stopped contacting me as much, or at all." Another wrote, "Because I slowed down significantly, no matter how hard I worked at 'normal,' I started losing friends."
The reasons friends pull away can vary:
- They may not understand MS and feel uncomfortable asking
- They might not know how to support you
- Some people struggle with seeing someone they care about face challenges
- Mobility changes can make it harder to maintain social connections
One member explained, "I really don't have any friends left since I don't drive anymore, and they would have to pick me up."
These feelings of isolation and loneliness are valid. Many members describe feeling overlooked or misunderstood, which adds to the emotional weight of losing friendships. Finding the silver lining
While losing friends hurts, some members find that MS helps them identify who truly cares. The friends who stay, learn about MS, and remain supportive become even more valuable.
As one member put it: "Those who are not supportive, say goodbye. And those who stay with you are deserving and should be honored to know you no matter what."
Ways to cope with social isolation:
- Communicate openly with people close to you about what you're experiencing and what you need
- Use video calls to stay connected with loved ones, even if you can't meet in person
- Consider connecting with others who understand MS through online communities
- Let people know you need social support - sometimes they pull away because they don't know how to help
Social connections are essential for well-being and can help relieve depression and anxiety. While MS changes relationships, open communication can help maintain the support you need.
March 13
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