Partner with MS - Attitude Taking a Toll

Hello all,

I wanted to get some advice. My partner has been diagnosed with RRMS for half a year. They have been struggling a bit mentally and have been going to a counseling session every week. My significant other does not suffer from fatigue and their legs have not been affected but they will get their flare ups especially when stressed.

When I am asked what should they do when they feel like that in their moments, I try to calmly state to take deep breaths and see how they feel.

Most time when they express how they are depressed, I listen. However, I have been getting responses where they feel that I don’t understand how they feel or they feel invalidated. I don’t ever invalidate feelings but they feel my silence (or what I call active listening) does not help.

But when I give “advice” they do not accept it. They also ask questions to me as though I am a doctor but I am still learning as well.

Slowly, it has been tapping me back into my depression. I’m a really bubbly person and it’s hard to navigate this. Even being told I am “blind” to it all.

Feeling like a punching bag but I know it stems from fear as they mentioned.

Not sure what to do when I try to convey understanding.

Any advice?