b'It is important to note that the way we speak to ourselves has a signicant effect on our self-esteem, mood, behaviors, and self-relationship. When our inner critic takes control of our internal dialogue, we are more susceptible to cognitive distortions, or thought patterns that function as negative lters through which we perceive and make interpretations about reality. The physical changes to ones body that may accompany MS (e.g., muscle weakness, visual decits) often contribute to poor body image. Many individuals with MS nd it difficult to recognize or appreciate the positive aspects of their body or physical appearance. Our self-interpretations and beliefs are also influenced by others behaviors, attitudes, and perceptions of us. Systemic issues such as ableism and disability stereotypes may play a signicant role in the way you view yourself. If you need a wheelchair, walker, or other mobility aid, you may face challenges related to navigating the world as an individual with a visible disability. If your symptoms are less visible or concealable, you may encounter stigmatization related to invisible disability, as well as internal conict about whether to disclose your diagnosis in various settings. Integrating your diagnosis into your self-identity may require you to adopt new perspectives for understanding the world, as well as yourself. Although the process of learning how to accept and foster a healthy relationship with yourself is lifelong and non-linear, you are the only one who is guaranteed to be in a relationship with you for the entirety of your life. Here are some questions to help you think about how you see yourself: Self-Relationship Check-Up1. How would you describe yourself to someone who has never met you? 2. How has MS affected the way you see yourself? 3. When was the last time you made time to do something for yourself? 4. What do you do to practice self-care? How often do you practice self-care? 5. Are you familiar with your inner critic? What does it usually say about you? Examining our self-esteemNow that we have established how the relationship with yourself can change after MS, lets talk about what to do about it. As we discussed, self-esteem can broadly be dened as the opinions and beliefs we hold about ourselves. In a sense, it is our relationship with ourselves and it composes all the thoughts, feelings, judgments, and ideas we hold about our self-identity. People with healthy self-esteem are often condent and assertive, form secure relationships with others, believe they deserve the love and respect of others, and are not overly critical of themselves or others. It is often a misconception that people with healthy self-esteem only have a positive view of themselves. Instead, people with healthy self-esteem are able to have an honest and balanced view of themselves, including their strengths and weaknesses, without being overly critical or focused on their aws.12'