当你用你的权利和福祉发表讲话或行动时，你是自我倡导的。如果您有多发性硬化（MS），则自我宣传使您能够更多地控制您的病情如何影响您的生活。
Self-advocacy is important in all aspects of your life. Your family, friends, healthcare team, and co-workers all need to know how they can support you and help you minimize the impact of your MS. Don’t be afraid to speak up when you need to.
Your family is an important support network in your MS journey. Be clear about the support you need, but also about the ways in which you’re still independent and capable. If your MS symptoms are creating new limitations, adjust your household roles accordingly. For example, you may no longer be able to carry a basketful of laundry up the stairs, but you could take over someone else’s job of folding.
Remind family members about the invisible cognitive problems that can develop with MS. This may include problems with high-level brain functions such as memory, focus, language, or problem-solving. The next time you’re forgetful or unable to focus, your family won’t misinterpret it as a lack of caring. When you’re tired, tell them — don’t assume they already know. Make sure that you communicate clearly and regularly.
Recognize and respect that each person in your household has their own coping mechanism when faced with a challenging situation. Some might prefer to immerse themselves in learning about your condition while others would rather be distracted from thinking about it. Tailor your self-advocacy communication to the comfort level of each family member.
Tell your friends how you’re doing. Make sure they understand that declined social invitations may be the result of your MS symptoms and not lack of interest. Suggest alternative activities that are easier for you, such as meeting for lunch instead of shopping at the mall. If phone conversations are tiring or interfere with your rest times, communicate electronically using texting, email, or social media.
不要等待您的医生建议物理治疗等治疗选择：让您自己带来主题。杂志上提出的问题和您所拥有的想法，以便您记得在预约中讨论它们。虽然您的预约可能不足以漫长的讨论最新研究，但告诉您的医生您有几个问题，并确保您有时间问它们。
如果你对你被告知不满意，请获得第二个或第三种意见。如果您对您所提到的专家感到舒服，请让医生送您别人。当你这样做时，它看起来可能是至关重要的，但医生是专业人士，额外的意见和新推荐是他们业务的一部分。
If your MS diagnosis is new and you’re working, you have a right to privacy and aren’t obligated to disclose your diagnosis.
You also have a right to employment. If your symptoms progress to the point where your job performance is affected, you’re entitled to a合理accommodationas outlined in the Americans with Disabilities Act. Telling your co-workers about your situation also answers questions about changes in your behavior, such as fatigue, forgetfulness, or clumsiness. Chances are that the people who work with you will be happy to help you however they can.
In order to advocate for your rights, you need to know what they are. TheAmericans with Disabilities Act旨在根据残疾保护人们免受歧视。您的一些权利包括平等获得就业，政府设施和服务，公共交通和商业机构。花一点时间熟悉自己有资格题为的东西，并与您的家人和那些正在倡导您的人分享这些信息。
When you have MS, it’s important to advocate for your needs and rights. Self-advocacy matters everywhere, whether you’re with family and friends or your doctor or colleagues. Communicate your needs to those who can help, and learn your rights to avoid discrimination. Don’t be afraid to stand up for yourself, and encourage your advocates to do the same.