The ability to self-monitor can be crucial to managing a chronic illness. Becoming aware of symptoms, how they affect us and possible triggers can help to reduce their impact on daily life. Here we look at some different ways that self-monitoring might help with managing MS.
Keeping a diary specifically to monitor your MS can be a helpful tool, recording how your MS alters in response to different factors - such as activity levels, stress or diet - or at different times. This information will allow you to understand what affects your MS and how. Some advice from the MS Trust on keeping a symptom diary
Apps can be a useful tool for self-monitoring and self-management. The following list of apps includes SymTrac, a symptom tracking app and MS Self which allows you to track symptoms and manage medications.
‘Biofeedback’ is a specific technique of recording basic biological measurements, such as breathing rate and muscle tension, in order to improve ‘self-regulation’. There is some evidence that this may be able to help MS symptoms such as fatigue and anxiety, although further research is needed, as the following articles explain:
- http://www.msra.org.au/self-monitoring-therapy-helps-reduce-fatigue-and-stress-ms
- http://ijmsc.org/doi/abs/10.7224/1537-2073.2014-006
You should speak to your healthcare professionals if you are interested in exploring biofeedback as a treatment option.
Further reading
May: Exercise and MS
April: Mindfulness
March: Positive Thinking and Challenging Negative Thoughts
February: Personal Relationships and MS
January: Personal Goals