Phoebe’s story
“As soon as I get in the water, I feel weightless.”
Phoebe was diagnosed with MS, depression and anxiety in 2020, but has been able to manage her conditions with the help of her miniature dachshund, Noodle.
Phoebe was rushed to A&E in 2020, and following a brain scan, was told she has MS. For a while after that, Phoebe felt like her life had come to a stop, and she was diagnosed with depression and anxiety. But then she got Noodle, her dachshund puppy, and he changed her life “overnight”. Suddenly, Phoebe was motivated to get out of bed in the morning, put on her shoes, and head out for a walk because Noodle needed her.
How Phoebe gets moving
At first, walking with Noodle was difficult, and Phoebe could only manage short walks. But, as her mental and physical health improved, short walks turned into longer walks, which turned into adventures and the opportunity to meet new people. As well as daily dog walks, Phoebe also loves swimming, and if Phoebe is swimming, so is Noodle. Phoebe says when she’s in the water, she feels like her condition “floats away” and that for her, exercising with Noodle has been a “complete game changer.”
Swimming
Take a dip, try water aerobics, walk in water, or count lengths as you move through water in a way that works for you.
Mental Health Conditions
Without the right care, treatment and support, we know how hard it can be for people living with a mental health condition. This includes a variety of conditions, from anxiety or depression, to severe mental illnesses such as bipolar disorder or schizophrenia. Physical activity and movement can be a great way to manage your mental and physical health.
Multiple sclerosis
Multiple sclerosis (MS) affects people in different ways, so there isn’t one best way of moving when you’re living with MS. All movement can be good for you, so focus on finding something that you enjoy and that feels right to you.