Living with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) or any other chronic illness can be incredibly challenging, physically, emotionally, and professionally. When someone at your workplace is managing a long-term health condition, the support they receive from coworkers can make a huge difference in their daily functioning, confidence, and sense of belonging.
As a holistic health and lifestyle coach at Life Enhancement Coaching, we understand how chronic illnesses impact every area of life. This guide will help you learn how to show meaningful, respectful, and empowering support to colleagues dealing with MS or similar conditions.
1. Educate Yourself, Even the Basics Help
You don’t need a medical degree, just basic awareness.
For MS specifically, learn:
- MS affects the central nervous system
- Symptoms vary day-to-day and person-to-person
- Fatigue, weakness, pain, or vision issues may happen unexpectedly
For any chronic illness:
- There may be “invisible symptoms”
- Some days are harder than others
- Stress worsens symptoms
Understanding reduces judgment and helps you be a more supportive coworker.
2. Respect Their Boundaries & Privacy
Not everyone wants to openly discuss their condition and that’s okay.
Do:
- Listen if they choose to share
- Respect what they don’t want to discuss
- Avoid offering unsolicited medical advice
Don’t:
- Ask invasive questions
- Share their health info with others
Let them take the lead on how much they want to talk.
3. Be Flexible and Understanding When Tasks Get Challenging
Chronic illnesses often cause unpredictable symptoms.
Support them by:
- Offering help when appropriate
- Being understanding if they need extra time
- Being open to switching duties temporarily
- Avoiding assumptions (they’re not “lazy,” they might be having a flare-up)
Small flexibility = BIG relief for someone managing pain or fatigue.
4. Use Compassionate Communication
How you speak with them matters.
Try phrases like:
- “Let me know if there’s anything I can help with today.”
- “If you ever need support during a flare, I’ve got your back.”
- “No pressure take your time.”
Avoid:
- “You don’t look sick.”
- “But you were fine yesterday.”
- “Have you tried…?” (unless they ask)
Empathy builds trust.
5. Support an Accessible, Inclusive Workplace
You don’t need to be in HR to support accessibility.
Simple contributions include:
- Noticing barriers and speaking up
- Encouraging breaks
- Allowing remote work or flexible hours (if your role permits)
- Ensuring shared spaces are easy to navigate
Inclusivity benefits everyone, not just those with chronic illness.
6. Celebrate Their Strength Without Minimizing Their Struggles
People with chronic illnesses often feel misunderstood or underestimated.
Support them by:
- Recognizing their efforts
- Encouraging their professional growth
- Acknowledging that their illness doesn’t define their capability
Celebrate their resilience without romanticizing their struggle.
7. Avoid Making It About Pity, Choose Empowerment Instead
Pity isolates. Empowerment connects.
Instead of:
“I feel so sorry for you.”
Try:
“You’re handling so much with incredible strength. I admire your resilience.”
Shift the energy toward respect and support.
8. Encourage Them to Seek Professional Holistic Support
Many people with chronic illnesses benefit from emotional and lifestyle guidance.
At Life Enhancement Coaching, we support individuals with MS and other chronic illnesses through:
✓ Stress management techniques
✓ Nervous system regulation
✓ Lifestyle adjustments
✓ Fatigue management
If your colleague could use a supportive environment, gently share that holistic coaching exists and can help.
Small Actions Create a Big Impact
Supporting a coworker with MS or any chronic illness doesn’t require grand gestures, just compassion, patience, and understanding. Your kindness can make their workplace feel safer, more inclusive, and more human.
If you or someone you know is living with a chronic illness, Life Enhancement Coaching offers personalized holistic support to help them feel more empowered and balanced.
