RealTalk MS – Episode 414

Finding Peace in the Midst of Uncertainty with Andrea Arzt, LCSW, MSCS
Host: Jon Strum
Guests: Dr. Lydia Makaroff, Gordon Keith, Andrea Arzt
Date: August 4, 2025

Episode Overview

This episode of RealTalk MS is dedicated to strategies for finding peace during uncertain times, particularly for those living with multiple sclerosis (MS) and their caregivers. Host Jon Strum speaks with Andrea Arzt, a licensed clinical social worker specializing in MS, about practical tips to manage anxiety and uncertainty. The episode also spotlights global MS advocacy with Dr. Lydia Makaroff of the MS International Federation (MSIF), and features artist Gordon Keith, who merges creative expression with MS fundraising.

Key Discussions & Insights

1. Global Perspectives: MS International Federation

Guest: Dr. Lydia Makaroff, CEO, MS International Federation
Timestamps: 01:36 – 10:36

• MSIF's Mission & Reach

  • MSIF is a global entity uniting 47 member societies across 45 countries with the mission to "improve quality of life and well-being for everyone affected by MS, and to end MS forever." (Dr. Makaroff, 02:12)

• Historic Vision for Global Collaboration

  • Dr. Makaroff calls Sylvia Lowry, MSIF co-founder, "groundbreaking," noting that the idea to coordinate MS efforts worldwide was "radical thinking" for 1967. (02:50)
  • Jon emphasizes the need for cross-border efforts: "Multiple sclerosis didn’t respect any country’s borders. It impacts people throughout the world." (02:25)

• Global Disparities in MS Care

  • Atlas of MS research shows “two-thirds of people living with MS are in countries without MS care guidelines.” (Dr. Makaroff, 03:59)
  • Access to diagnostic tests varies greatly worldwide—a topic of current MSIF research. (Dr. Makaroff, 05:32)

• Common Misconceptions about MS

  • One widespread myth: “Everyone just immediately ends up in a wheelchair and that there's no hope.” Instead, "MS affects everyone uniquely...there is a lot more hope for people affected by MS than ever before." (Dr. Makaroff, 04:29)

• Noteworthy Projects

  • The "Wellness Practices and Complementary Therapies Guide" assesses evidence-based practices for self-management. (06:16)
  • World MS Day, held annually May 30th, mobilizes global awareness and advocacy efforts.

• Patient Engagement

  • "We encourage, and we have many people affected by living with MS on our board...We cannot be the global voice of people affected by MS if we're not integrating the voice of people with MS." (Dr. Makaroff, 07:29)

• Looking Ahead

  • Upcoming: New McDonald diagnostic criteria publication, discussions at global networking meetings, and translation of new research for practical patient use. (09:00)

Memorable Quote:
"What has surprised me the most is the warmth and dedication of all the volunteers around the world...We couldn't do what we do without so many people donating their time and expertise."
— Dr. Lydia Makaroff (08:12)

2. Art & Advocacy: Gordon Keith

Guest: Gordon Keith, Artist & Philanthropist
Timestamps: 11:26 – 21:36

• Art as a Fundraising Vehicle

  • Gordon’s book, A Life in Paint: The Paintings of Gordon J. Keith, supports MS research in Canada. (11:44)
  • Proceeds go to MS Society of Canada; readers can vote online for artwork to include in an upcoming calendar. Site: 24212.com.

• Personal Motivation & Background

  • Gordon describes his first inspiration: "I remember just being intrigued by the smell of the oil paint and...the fact that she was chain smoking, which was sort of unusual for me to see at the age of five." (13:21)
  • His wife, Marie Vaillant, lives with MS and is deeply engaged in MS advocacy.

• Facing MS Diagnosis Together

  • "We were both in shock...someone pointed us to the local MS Society...that was very helpful because it took some of the questions away and some of the mystery away." (17:25)
  • Advice for new MS couples: "Get as much information as you can…from credible sources.” (19:08)

• Care Partnership

  • "We usually use the words personal assistant as in a joking way, but Marie is still very independent..." (18:17)

Memorable Quote:
“Painting just fascinates me. Not just painting myself, but also studying some of the great masters...there’s always another painting to be done tomorrow.”
— Gordon Keith (14:58, 16:11)

3. Mental Health & Wellness: Navigating Uncertainty with Andrea Arzt

Guest: Andrea Arzt, LCSW, MSCS
Timestamps: 22:31 – 32:02

Navigating Uncertainty

• Definition & Context

  • “Navigating uncertainty means moving through situations where there's a lack of predictability or we are uncertain about the outcomes...adapting to changing circumstances, accepting the unknown, and making decisions when complete information is unavailable.” (Andrea Arzt, 23:35)

• Staying Grounded with MS

  • “The first thing is to acknowledge your feelings and your fears...trying to pretend they’re not there just makes the feelings worse and stops you from taking positive action.” (24:15)

Caregiving & Family Dynamics

• Advice for Caregivers
  • “Talking about them is the first step — which is, 'mentionable is manageable.'...Get resources and supports to help problem solve together.” (25:43)

Opportunities for Personal Growth

• Growth Amidst Uncertainty
  • “It may make us think about our priorities differently...what our values are and what truly is important...It’s an opportunity to learn about ourselves in a different way.” (26:42)

Practical Tools and Frameworks

• Preparation & Scenario Planning

  • “Scenario planning, taking what you do know...trying to plan for [different contingencies]...can go a long way in terms of quelling anxiety.” (27:56)

• Journaling & Mindfulness

  • Journaling "can really think through what is important, what isn't...can also include what was successful in that day, what you're grateful for." (28:19)
  • Mindfulness and stress management techniques help focus on positives and the present moment.

Key Distinctions

• Uncertainty vs. Unpreparedness
  • “Being uncertain...we don’t know what the future will bring...Being unprepared...means we’re not doing what we can to find the resources...Being prepared is one of the best ways of dealing with the uncertainties of the future.” (29:59)

Core Takeaways for Living with MS

• Core Principles
  • “Focus on what you do know and can change and prepare for as many contingencies as you can...Know you cannot know them all, and that's okay.” (30:50)
  • “Understand your strengths and that you are stronger than you think.” (31:54)

Memorable Quote:
“Mentionable is manageable.”
— Andrea Arzt (25:43)

Highlighted Timestamps

• 01:36 – 10:36: Dr. Lydia Makaroff on global MS advocacy, disparities, and upcoming initiatives
• 11:26 – 21:36: Gordon Keith on art, advocacy, and life with a loved one with MS
• 22:31 – 32:02: Andrea Arzt on navigating uncertainty, tools for resilience, and supporting both patients and caregivers

Notable Quotes

• “MS affects everyone uniquely and we are lucky to be able to see the beginnings of new treatments...there is a lot more hope for people affected by MS than ever before.”
  — Dr. Lydia Makaroff (04:29)

• “Painting just fascinates me...there’s always another painting to be done tomorrow.”
  — Gordon Keith (14:58, 16:11)

• “Mentionable is manageable.”
  — Andrea Arzt (25:43)

Conclusion

This episode offers a comprehensive look at managing the emotional, practical, and global challenges of MS. With perspectives from international advocacy leaders, personal caregiver stories, and mental health professionals, it delivers hope, actionable tools, and a strong reminder of the power of preparation, support, and creativity in the face of uncertainty.