Here are six thoughtful ways to show kindness to people with Multiple Sclerosis or any disability.

As a freelance writer and health advocate, I strive to educate others about living with MS and other disabilities.

Because sometimes people don't believe your invisible symptoms.

I aim to shed light on daily struggles to foster compassion and understanding for others.

Step back to make way for a better world. 

1. Don’t feel sorry for us, but do us a favor by learning more about our illness. Then the next time we tell you we’re tired or seem to often cancel plans, you’ll have a better understanding of why.
2. We may not look sick, but our immune system tells a different story. The next time we need to occupy a handicapped parking spot, ask if our placard is registered before you begin shouting at us. We appreciate your concern, but we think you should treat a disabled person with the respect we deserve.
3. Practice compassion and tolerance whenever you see someone with a disability. Our road is a daily battle of maneuvering the challenges of life. The things able-bodied people take for granted, such as walking, talking, dressing, exercising, seeing, peeing, pooping, and intimacy, are considerably more difficult for people with disabilities.
4. Help us keep our self-respect intact. Imagine falling down in front of a crowd and people whispering that you look drunk. Or you attending an event with friends but cannot keep up with their fast pace. We don’t enjoy burdening others with our issues, but in our silence, we’d be comforted to know you understand why our bodies are disobeying us and that you’re willing to slow your pace down to help us feel better about ourselves.
5. Be patient. We are fearful of the next exacerbation that may wreak havoc on our bodies. So if you’re trying to make plans with us, and we seem to ask a lot of questions (how long will the event be, where is the nearest parking lot, is the venue accessible), please be mindful that there’s a reason why we’re asking so many questions. It’s not that we don’t want to see you; it’s simply that we need to take care of our MS.
6. We’re often tired. I know you are, too, but I doubt it’s the same fatigue. Because when we’re exhausted, it feels almost like we have a nasty case of the flu, only 1,000 times worse. Every part of our body cries out for a nap, and no matter where we are or what we’re doing, we have to find a place to rest. So please understand why we may have to leave a party early or cut our visit short. We’d love to stay, but our bodies yell at us to rest.

We’ll make up for lost time the next time we get together. At least that's what we keep telling our hearts.