Finding confidence at work: Jessica’s story

When Jessica was diagnosed with MS in September 2022, it came in the midst of an already challenging period.

“I had already been out of employment for 12 months, and was previously on WorkCover. Work is immensely important to me because I’ve worked since I was about 13, so I’ve always been in employment and worked very hard,” she says.

“I didn’t have a great deal of support, and the idea of trying to work out how to get back into the workforce and dealing with the MS diagnosis when I didn’t have any family around was really, really challenging.”

Through a peer support group, Jessica found about MS Plus’ Employment Support Service (ESS), which provides free support to people living with MS and other neurological conditions.

While the program does help people to find work – including support to develop a resume and job interview preparation – Jessica chose to engage with it after securing a new role.

“The prospect of getting back into the workforce was really daunting. I also had a bit of fear going into employment for the first time since the diagnosis, fear of how I would manage things if I relapse,” she says.

Her occupational therapist, Steph has been an enormous help since day one.

“Steph is a really big reason as to why I’ve been able to stay in work for as long as I have. I’ve chosen not to disclose that I have MS to my employer at this point, so it’s been great to be able to talk to someone about the issues I am having when it comes to work,” she says.

“I travel a lot for work and have to sit down a lot in the car, and in meetings. I was really struggling for a period of time with pain and muscle spasticity. Being able to get support from Steph on not just looking at the ergonomics of my car, but working with an exercise physiologist and massage therapy has been a massive help,” she says.

“I’ve got a routine with physio exercises that I’ve got to do, particularly on days where I am required to sit quite a lot, and I get a massage every two weeks with a bit of red-light therapy in there too.

“Now that I've found that combination, the constant back pain that I was having has subsided. I get a little bit of it, but nothing that I don't feel like I can manage. These supports are keeping me functioning at the moment.”

Jessica has also been set up with an ergonomic mouse, and “can already feel the difference of making my hand stretch a bit more.”

Jessica and Steph touch base most weeks, either by phone or by text. The flexibility of knowing specialised support is available whenever she needs it has been a big help.

“Stress is a big contributor for my symptoms and it’s good to have someone to talk to who understands what we deal with in terms of triggers and different symptoms. We have a conversation most weeks, and I always know that I’ve got that support there.”

Looking for support to stay in or return to work?

MS Plus’ Employment Support Service provides free, tailored support for people living with MS and other neurological conditions. Whether you're looking for work, returning after time away, or navigating challenges in your current role, our team can help.

Find out more about Employment Support and how we can support your employment journey at msplus.org.au/employment-support