| The idea of a retreat usually brings up images of | | | | physical and occupational therapists that are there to |
| relaxation, spiritual reflection and a getting away from | | | | listen and assist in sorting out and identifying common |
| the usual day-to-day life with its hustle and bustle | | | | problems and frustrations of Multiple Sclerosis |
| stress. We most commonly are used to churches, | | | | symptoms. No topic is off limits because the goal of |
| businesses and large organizations having retreats | | | | these retreats is to help the patient identify and deal |
| with the intended purpose and goal of refocusing and | | | | with any problem or symptom that is a result or |
| a quest for new vision. It all boils down to "we're stuck | | | | by-product of the disease, whether it's physical, |
| in the mud", "a rut" or a cycle of unproductive thinking". | | | | emotional or mental. These are working retreats in the |
| Although most would agree that retreats are great, | | | | sense that those with MS will certainly get their |
| adding that everyone should go on at least one in a | | | | money's worth as they work out some issues.Many |
| lifetime, it would most likely wind up at the bottom of | | | | popular retreats include families or have "self-help" as |
| the list when it came to recommendations of helpful | | | | their focus. The National MS Society Chapter in North |
| things for those who have Multiple Sclerosis.Yet this is | | | | Carolina (nationalmssociety.org/ncc) hosts a weekend |
| exactly what is now being prescribed for those who | | | | retreat in the summer called the "Camp Carefree |
| have been recently diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis | | | | Family Retreat Weekend. This is a fun-filled affordable |
| and even for those who have had MS for a longer | | | | weekend in the country for the whole family. Each |
| period of time. It would surprise some to know that | | | | summer has a different theme.The Gawler Foundation |
| retreats specifically tailored for those living with Multiple | | | | (gawler.org) sponsors a residential program for those |
| Sclerosis as well as other illnesses are increasing | | | | with Multiple Sclerosis Cancer and other illnesses. |
| around the world because of the benefits being seen | | | | Gawler's main focus is "self -help". The Gawler |
| in patients across the board including a feeling of | | | | Foundation teaches self-help techniques and many |
| well-being, regained control of symptoms, self-esteem, | | | | non-drug options for patients to get their particular |
| comradeship, emotional support and | | | | Multiple Sclerosis symptoms under control or guidance |
| acknowledgment.In general, the most effective yet | | | | towards halting the disease's progression |
| simple retreats offer those with Multiple Sclerosis a | | | | completely.Granted not everyone will experience a |
| unique opportunity to not only learn more about this | | | | complete turn around with their MS symptoms, but |
| complicated and mysterious disease they have that | | | | each individual will without a doubt benefit just from the |
| baffles the best of doctors, but to connect with others | | | | rare meeting of like hearts and minds. Each will take |
| with the same in common. During some of the more | | | | away from the retreat what he or she needs whether |
| involved full-scale retreats, there are usually a | | | | it is information, encouragement or just a warm feeling |
| combination of group leaders, doctors, social workers, | | | | of well being that they didn't have before the retreat. |