Online Resources and Local Support Groups for People with Multiple Sclerosis

ActiveMSers

ActiveMSers hosts a popular online forum. Members discuss health-related topics like medications and share tips for staying physically active. They also post about MS events happening across the country.

DailyStrength Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Support Group

DailyStrength allows people with MS to connect. They ask questions about medications, vent frustrations, or simply say hello to new friends. The platform also hosts additional support groups for people with:

• Addiction

• Anxiety

• Cancer

• Mental health issues

GatherMS

GatherMS is a service of the Multiple Sclerosis Foundation meant to help people with MS navigate resources. Its goal is to “foster connections between people living with MS and existing services in their local communities to help with daily living.” It’s available in many U.S. cities, allowing users in those cities to find local resources, including support groups.

HealingWell

HealingWell is a chronic illness support community with a forum dedicated to MS. Users post questions about their symptoms, medications, and other medical conditions. 

Kurmudgeons’ Korner

Kurmudgeons’ Korner is an online forum that’s only open to people with an MS diagnosis. According to the home page, the forum encourages members to shoot straight about their experiences, cutting out the “artificial sweeteners” and platitudes. But it believes you’ll never find a group of people “who will understand you better, support you more, or make you laugh harder.”

MSFriends

This program from the National Multiple Sclerosis Society pairs new members with volunteers who have experience with MS. The goal is to lessen feelings of isolation. They do this with confidential, one-on-one conversations (via email, phone, or video chat) about how MS affects daily living and relationships.

Multiple Sclerosis Foundation Facebook Group

The Multiple Sclerosis Foundation Facebook Group has over 27,000 members. The members share everything from dating advice to exercise videos featuring chair yoga and cardio workouts. People with MS, caregivers, and loved ones are welcome to join.

My MSAA Community

This nonprofit provides free services and support to its My MSAA Community forum. Users share their struggles, victories, and everything in between. The forum also provides a free helpline and chat service.

MyMSTeam

MyMSTeam is another free social network for people with MS. Members can join groups based on interest (such as mental health tips) and diagnosis (such as primary progressive MS). The network also has a library of medically reviewed articles about pain, brain fog, fatigue, and more. It encourages members to comment on other people’s posts and to share their own experiences.

Shift.ms

Shift.ms is an independent social network and community founded by people with MS. Here, you can ask questions, connect with other “MSers” online, and find people with MS near you. The founders are based in the U.K., but the community welcomes people newly diagnosed with MS from across the globe.

This Is MS

This Is MS provides a forum for members to discuss trending topics and share tips on living with MS. There’s also a lot of discussion about injectable, infusion, and oral medications for MS, as well as nutrition tips. Members include patients, caregivers, and researchers.

How can I find an MS support group where I live?

The National Multiple Sclerosis Society and MS Focus (Multiple Sclerosis Foundation) have chapters across the country. Search for a chapter close to you by entering your zip code or state. These organizations host fundraising events, in-person support groups, and volunteer opportunities.

If you can’t find an MS support group where you live, there are a few options to consider:

• Ask your neurology care team or primary care provider if they have any contacts. 

• Start a local support group by partnering with a healthcare professional, a loved one, or online peers in the same geographic area.

• Look for local support groups that aren’t specific to a certain medical condition. There may be other groups that support people with lifelong illnesses, regardless of the type.

Caregiver Action Network 

The Caregiver Action Network provides education, support, and resources to family caregivers across the country for free. 

Caregiver Media Group 

Caregiver Media Group publishes resources including eNewsletters that provide you with information, advice, and support in becoming a member of your loved one’s care team.

Well Spouse Association

Dedicated to the well-being of spouses and partners of chronically ill individuals, the Well Spouse Association has a national network of support groups. It also hosts weekend retreats and a national conference and offers mentorship programs.

CaringBridge 

CaringBridge allows you to build a site to help you stay connected with family and friends. Sites are free and allow you to post updates, photos, and raise funds as needed.

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Written by:

Ana Gascon

Ana Gascon has over 15 years of writing and editing experience, with 8 years in health and medical content work. She is a content creator who focuses on acute conditions, chronic diseases, mental health challenges, and health equity.

Edited by:

Karla Robinson, MD

Karla Robinson, MD, is a medical editor for GoodRx. She is a licensed, board-certified family physician with almost 20 years of experience in health through varied clinical, administrative, and educational roles.

Reviewed by:

Mandy Armitage, MD

Mandy Armitage, MD, has combined clinical medicine with her passion for education and content development for many years. She served as medical director for the health technology companies HealthLoop (now Get Well) and Doximity.

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