The Muscular Dystrophy Campaign estimates that over 30,000 people in the UK have a neuromuscular condition. Neuromuscular is the name given to describe conditions like muscular dystrophy which results in a gradual loss of muscle strength and wasting. 

Being a teenager is tough enough without having muscular dystrophy. So it is normal to feel angry and frustrated at how this condition can restrict you. 

Focus on positive facts!

• It’s not contagious.
• You have a life to plan and live.
• You have many more talents and abilities not affected by Muscular Dystrophy.
• Your Specialist knows the best treatment options open to you.
• You have access to the most up to date information available on your condition and its treatments.
• And most importantly you have people who love and care about you.

Looking great feeling good?

All teenagers feel self conscious - yes even those ultra cool kids who seem to be brimming over with confidence and have lots of friends spend a lot of time worrying over their size, shape, hair and if anyone likes them. It all part of being a teenager as you grow up, get comfortable with who you are and become more independent. You can help build up your confidence by looking after yourself as a person both inside and out.

Do you scrub up well – think about your appearance.  Everyone feels more positive and confident when they take care with what they wear, and their personal grooming.  You may feel like jelly on the inside but if you look great on the outside people will treat you like the confident person you look like!  This will in turn help you feel more confident.

Think about what you eat – we all know that certain foods are not good for us if we eat too much of them like burgers and chips and that other foods like fresh fruit and vegetables are good for us and help our body’s to work better.  It doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy burger and chips not just too often.  

Exercise – doing the right type of exercise for you can make you feel better.  But be careful not to overdo it.  Your physiotherapist can show you exercises and stretches that can help you keep as flexible as possible and reduce stiffness.  Talk to her or him about the type of exercise that you can do and what types of exercises to avoid for example lifting weights may overwork the muscles and damage them.  Hydrotherapy can be a good way to exercise as the water helps to support the body and makes stretching easier. 

Develop your talents – what interests you, do you love music, art, are you great at organising and motivating people.  Do a bit of research is there opportunities for you develop these.  If you love art why not ask for painting materials for your next birthday or is their a local class you could attend.  Could you get involved in a school project were you could you use your organisational abilities.

Think positively – just thinking about things in a more positive way can help you tackle them with much more success.  See problems as a challenge and plan how you can achieve your goal.  After all if a mountaineer wants to climb Everest they sit down and plan how to do it.  Break your challenge into smaller more manageable pieces.  Think about what you need to succeed, who can help, what time you need to devote to this etc. 

Have a good laugh – do the things you have fun doing, hang out with your friends, or even watch a good comedy show.

Talk – even if you don’t think it there are a lot of people that are happy to listen to your concerns and want to help.  Family, friends, even teachers can offer support.  Pick a time that is quiet and you and the person have time to have a good talk.