Prioritizing mental and physical health after an MS diagnosis

Yara Essam takes a selfie in a mirror during one of her many gym sessions. (Photos courtesy of Yara Essam)

Day 14 of 31

This is Yara Essam’s story:

I’d always been fairly healthy as a child — barely getting sick, eating well, and constantly moving my body. That’s why, the day I read “most likely MS” in my brain MRI report, I felt like I was hit by a truck.

When Essam needed further corticosteroids for symptoms that wouldn’t ease, her sister, Dee Essam, right, supported her during treatment.

At the time, I had limited knowledge of multiple sclerosis (MS). All I knew was that it might affect movement or some basic functions that make us independent and that we take for granted. I must have lost more than 5 kilos (11 pounds) getting sucked into the research abyss of MS that first month. My first treatment with corticosteroids led to zero appetite, horrible sleep quality, and sadly, no time or energy for the gym.

I was in a very fragile emotional state that first month, crying constantly whenever anyone looked at me because I could feel the sympathy in their eyes, and I hated it.

My sister then told me “If anyone in our family was destined to be diagnosed with MS, it makes sense to be you.” Of course, I started crying again because that statement felt so unfair. But she proceeded to explain that it’s because I have the unwavering strength, dedication, and calmness needed to live with this new so-called friend for the rest of my life.

After her last day of corticosteroid treatment, Essam decided to go to the gym straight from the hospital.

It’s been three months since I was diagnosed with relapsing-remitting MS. On some days, I barely notice it and can pretend like everything is normal. On other days, it hits me hard when I realize my lifestyle needs to be reexamined and the hobbies I love might be harming me.

Am I eating enough? Am I eating the right things, or are they triggering attacks? Am I moving too much? Am I not moving enough? If I squat this weight, will it make my symptoms worse? The constant questioning of every little thing takes over my mind. My body snapped and is starting to attack me — if that’s not an indication to start prioritizing my physical and mental health, what is?

I’m proud to say I’ve start therapy after years of avoiding it and never quite having the courage to take that step. I’m also proud to say I did squat that weight, and to my surprise, I’m breaking personal records in weightlifting every week. I’m feeling and looking much stronger than before the diagnosis. And that’s because I have something to prove. MS gave me the motivation to show up at the gym every day for my future 70-year-old self. I owe her that much.

In recognition of Multiple Sclerosis Awareness Month in March, the MS Community Spotlight campaign features a series of stories highlighting the real-life experiences of people affected by MS, written in their own words. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, X, and Pinterest for more stories like this, using the hashtag #MSSpotlight, or read the full series.