My life changed 10 years ago today with the diagnosis of multiple sclerosis. From learning how to walk, clear vision again, to even just holding a fork. So many mental challenges finding strength, getting thru the sadness, and confusion that came from this disease over the years. ⠀
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I wouldn’t be here alive thriving and growing if not for my doctors, healthcare workers, family unit, amazing friends, and the daily grace of God. ⠀
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It’s not a celebration of being diagnosed with multiple sclerosis. It’s a celebration of finding self-love when your body is fighting you every second of the day. It’s a celebration of receiving help and pushing away pride. It’s a celebration of learning how to walk with a walker and not be self-conscious when I have to go to the grocery store or even go to work. It’s a celebration of finding a community of people who let you know your not alone. We are fighting this disease together. #thisisms

I'd like to share some free resources for anyone who might be feeling distressed.

Mental health includes our emotional, psychological, and social well-being. It affects how we think, feel, and act. It also helps determine how we handle stress, relate to others, and make choices in our everyday life.

Telehealth is also available with your local license therapist and psychologist.

Calm (free options, can pay for additional features) - Variety of meditation exercises and relaxing soundtracks organized by topic (e.g. stress, anxiety, sleep, focus, etc.)

CBT-i Coach (free) - VA resource with Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for insomnia strategies, free guided relaxation activities, and sleep logs to help keep your sleep on track

Happify (free options, can pay for additional features) - Science-based activities and games to overcome worries and stress; Techniques were developed by experts who study evidence-based interventions in the fields of positive psychology, mindfulness, and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy

Headspace (free for providers for the rest of the year with verification by NPI; otherwise 2 week free trial for non-providers) - Sets of guided meditations aimed at tackling problems related to stress, anxiety, sleeplessness, and relationships

Healthy Minds (free) - Translating pioneering neuroscience into tools for everyday life using mindfulness practices and podcast style lessons. App designed by UW Center for Healthy Minds

Insight Timer (free) - Guided meditation app with a variety of mindfulness and meditation practices targeting stress, anxiety, insomnia, etc.

Recovery Path (free) - Personalized evidence-based prevention and intervention strategies for people struggling with or recovering from substance or alcohol addiction; Incorporates aspects of Motivational Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and Community Reinforcement to boost your treatment and recovery plan.
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Ten Percent Happier (free options, can pay for additional features) - Large selection of guided meditations and mindfulness practices; Great for beginners as well as those already well-versed in mindfulness; Includes free Coronavirus Sanity Guide


Sanvello (free premium during COVID-19 crisis; additional features available with qualifying insurance) - Clinically-validated evidence-based mobile application for anxiety, stress and depression; Based on Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, currently used by over 3 million people.

Stop, Breathe & Think (free options, can pay for additional features; free kids version) - Guided meditation and mindfulness. Includes theme “Calm Coronavirus Anxiety”; Option to check in with your emotions and pick exercises based on how you feel; 2017 People’s choice award for best health app

Woebot (free) - Personalized web-robot who delivers Cognitive Behavioral Therapy skills to foster insight into unhelpful thoughts and behaviors and reduce stress

Wysa: Mental Health Support (free options, 20% off subscription cost right now) - Research-backed app that utilizes Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, yoga, and mindfulness to support people with mental health and wellness needs; Access to a real mental health professional who coaches you through new skills and coping behaviors (with subscription)

Wishing You Well