Blog

I’ve never formally joined any MS support groups — and perhaps that’s not so unusual. For many of us living with multiple sclerosis, the idea of sitting in a circle and baring our souls to strangers can feel a little daunting. Yet support comes in many forms. Some years ago, I visited a hyperbaric chamber as part of my own journey with MS. While the treatment itself didn’t work miracles, something else unexpected did: I met others who were walking a similar path. In the waiting room, casual conversations sparked recognition, camaraderie, and even laughter.

It wasn’t a support group in the traditional sense, but it gave me something that no pamphlet or prescription ever could — shared experience. That chamber, I later learned, has evolved into a support hub for people with all kinds of conditions, from brain trauma to long Covid. And that speaks volumes about the need we all share: to be understood.

In this article, I’ll explore how they -can provide that connection — whether you’re new to your diagnosis or decades in like me. Because sometimes, strength comes from simply not feeling alone.

Why MS Support Groups Matter When You Are Newly Diagnosed

When you’re newly diagnosed, you don’t know where to turn. In my own case, I had at least heard of multiple sclerosis — my mother had been diagnosed some years earlier. But being the dutiful son, I knew almost nothing about what she was going through. She was old school, and one simply didn’t complain about personal problems. Stiff upper lip and all that.

After my own diagnosis, I reached out to the few friends I knew who also had MS. I hoped for some insight, perhaps a roadmap of what lay ahead. But those conversations shed very little light — they were just as bewildered as I was. One friend, in particular, had been diagnosed years earlier but still had no clear answers. We were all stumbling through it alone.

And that’s precisely why MS support groups exist — not to provide a single truth, but to share the lived experience. Sometimes, just knowing others are navigating the same fog can be enough to keep you moving forward. Whether it’s emotional reassurance, practical tips, or simply someone nodding in understanding, support groups offer what no textbook can: connection.

Types of MS Support Groups Available

Local In-Person Groups

For some people, nothing beats face-to-face contact. Local MS support groups — often organised by charities like the MS Society, NHS clinics, or community centres — offer exactly that. These in-person gatherings tend to focus on building a sense of community and sharing practical experience in a safe, understanding environment.

Most groups meet regularly and may include guest speakers, Q&A sessions with MS nurses, or talks on topics like symptom management, diet, or navigating disability benefits. Others are more informal, combining a cup of tea with conversation that ranges from medication side effects to everyday frustrations — all in the company of people who just get it.

Many of these local groups also organise social outings, offering a welcome chance to relax and enjoy something that isn’t centred on illness. You’re not required to bare your soul or participate in everything. Just showing up and listening can make all the difference.

Online MS Support Groups

For those who struggle with mobility, fatigue, or simply prefer the comfort of home, online MS support groups provide a flexible alternative. From dedicated forums like Shift.ms to Facebook groups and Zoom meetups hosted by the MS Society, there’s a vast digital network of people living with MS, ready to share stories, advice, and solidarity — often 24/7.

I’ll admit, I’ve never participated in these online communities myself. I’ve always been a stoically independent individual — perhaps too much so for my own good. There’s a certain vulnerability involved in sharing your thoughts, even behind a screen. But with hindsight, I recognise that reaching out might have eased some of the early confusion I experienced.

Online MS support groups aren’t just about venting. They’re about connection. They offer a space where no one has to explain what “MS fatigue” really feels like, or justify why they cancelled plans yet again. And for many, that understanding makes all the difference.

Multi-Condition Groups

Not all support groups are MS-exclusive. In fact, some of the most helpful communities I’ve encountered weren’t formally labelled as “MS support groups” at all. When I attended a hyperbaric chamber for oxygen therapy, the setting was originally focused on MS patients. Over time, though, it evolved into a broader support hub — one that now includes people with brain trauma, long Covid, and other neurological conditions.

The conversations in the waiting room were often as therapeutic as the treatment itself. Strangers, drawn together by different diagnoses but similar frustrations, would share stories, offer encouragement, and laugh about the things that only those with invisible conditions truly understand.

Another example was the sedentary exercise classes I joined. These sessions were designed for people with limited mobility — not just MS, but a wide range of conditions. They became a kind of informal support network, where people of all ages, backgrounds, and disabilities came together, not to talk about their struggles, but to simply exist together in a positive, shared space.

It reminded me that support doesn’t always come with a title or structure. Sometimes, it’s just being around others who get it, even if they’re dealing with something entirely different.

How to Find the Right MS Support Group for You

Through National Charities (MS Society, MS Trust)

If you’re curious about joining a group, national charities are a great place to start. The MS Society and the MS Trust both maintain directories of local meetups, online forums, and Zoom sessions. You can also ask your MS nurse or GP — many clinics work with community networks and can point you in the right direction.

Not every group will feel like the right fit, and that’s okay. Try a few. Whether it’s a formal setting or something more relaxed, the right support group is the one where you feel heard.

Ask Your MS Nurse or GP

If you’re unsure where to begin, your MS nurse or GP is often the best first point of contact. My own GP was both a friend and a confidante — someone I could turn to for guidance beyond prescriptions. Sadly, she has now retired, and I often feel as though I’m fumbling in the dark without her steady presence. Still, most GPs and MS nurses can connect you with local or specialist-led support options.

Final Thoughts: Support Looks Different for Everyone

Support doesn’t have to mean sitting in a circle or sharing your story with a room full of strangers. Whether it’s a formal meeting or an informal chat at a therapy centre, support matters — and MS Support Groups come in many forms.

You don’t need to feel pressure to join anything. Sometimes, just talking to one person who understands can make a world of difference. If you’ve never tried a group — or walked away from one in the past — it might be worth revisiting. You might be surprised by what you find.

Don’t be the martyr I was by trying to go it alone. MS is challenging enough without carrying the whole weight by yourself. Somewhere out there, someone else is looking for the same connection you are. Why not take the first step?

Finding the right kind of help can make all the difference when living with MS. Whether it’s through multiple sclerosis peer support, local MS support meetings, or online MS community resources, the opportunity to share experiences and feel understood is invaluable. These support networks for MS offer both emotional reassurance and practical guidance — reminding us that we’re not alone on this unpredictable journey.