The Diagnosis That Changed Everything: My MS Experience & the Link Between Burnout and Chronic Illness

For years, I thought I was just exhausted. Like so many ambitious, high-achieving women, I pushed through fatigue, ignored the warning signs, and told myself I just needed to "manage stress better." But what I thought was burnout turned out to be something far more serious: Multiple Sclerosis (MS). The lead-up to this diagnosis forced me to completely rethink how I approached my health, my energy, and my life. And in the process, it led me to create the Grounded Growth Collective (GGC)—a space for women (and folks of any and all genders) to heal from burnout holistically before their bodies demand it.

Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is a chronic autoimmune condition where the immune system attacks the protective covering of nerves (myelin) in the brain and spinal cord.

The Early Signs I Ignored

Looking back, my body had been trying to tell me something for years. The crushing fatigue, brain fog, muscle weakness, numbness, and vertigo and dizziness—I chalked it all up to stress, overworking, and not "taking care of myself properly." Sound familiar? Many of us are conditioned to believe that exhaustion is just a part of life, that if we just push harder, we'll get through it. But the truth is, when we ignore chronic stress, our bodies eventually fight back.

The Diagnosis: Shock, Grief & Acceptance

Hearing "You have Multiple Sclerosis" was a moment that split my life in two. On one side, the person who thought sheer willpower could overcome anything. On the other, someone who had to learn that true wellness means listening, not forcing. It took time to process the grief of losing the old version of myself, but in that process, I started to understand something deeper: that burnout and chronic illness are often intertwined.

What I Wish I Knew About Burnout & Chronic Illness

The medical world separates burnout and chronic illness, but lived experience tells a different story. Chronic stress leads to systemic inflammation, weakens the immune system, and drains the nervous system—making us more susceptible to autoimmune conditions and long-term health issues. I wish I had known:

• Pushing through exhaustion isn’t strength—it’s self-sabotage.

• Burnout is a full-body issue, not just a mindset problem.

• Recovery isn’t about doing less—it’s about doing what truly nourishes you.

How I Now Manage Energy, Stress & Symptoms (The GGC Way!)

After my diagnosis, I rebuilt my life around sustainable energy management and holistic wellness. That became the foundation of Grounded Growth Collective—helping women reclaim their energy and wellbeing through:

• Nervous system regulation (learning to actually rest, not just collapse)

• Holistic self-care (that works with your body, not against it)

• Spiritual and mindset shifts (releasing guilt around rest & productivity)

• Recognising MS fatigue getting worse (understanding that fatigue is progressive and requires ongoing adaptation)

Over time, I’ve learned to work with my body, rather than against it. That means prioritising energy conservation, setting firm boundaries, and shifting my mindset around productivity. Learning to listen to my body—not just when it screams for rest, but in the small moments—has been key to maintaining my well-being.

Your Body is Talking—Are You Listening?

If you’re constantly exhausted, overwhelmed, and pushing through, please take this as your wake-up call. You don’t have to wait for a diagnosis to start treating your body with the care it deserves. That’s exactly why I created The Burnout Reset—a free 7-day programme to help you break free from exhaustion and reclaim your energy.

👉 Sign up for The Burnout Reset now and start healing today.