Selma Blair Shares The 'Uncomfortable' Truth About Living With MS

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Selma Blair was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis back in October. And now, she's opening up about what life is like with her illness.

"There is a truth with neurogedenerative brain disease. It is uncomfortable," she wrote on Instagram alongside a photo of herself in bed. "It is a stadium of uncontrollable anxiety at times. Going out, being sociable holds a heavy price."

There is a truth with neurogedenerative brain disease. It is uncomfortable. It is a stadium of uncontrollable anxiety at times. Going out, being sociable holds a heavy price. My brain is on fire. I am freezing. We feel alone with it even though the loving support has been a god send and appreciated. People write me asking how I do it. I do my best. But I choke with the pain of what I have lost and what I dare hope for. and how challenging it is to walk around . But my smiles are genuine. This is ok. Life is an adventure with many shards of awakening. I can't sleep at night but daytime I have trouble staying awake . I am a grown woman holding onto a bear that belonged to a sister type of mine. ( thank you @k.d.w.r ) we do what we can. I have a full week ahead with mothering and appointments and things to look forward to. But like many of us, I am praying. Soaking in love where I can. It's not easy. That's ok. I send love to you. And by the way, this #eileenfisher sweater is my go to cozy tonight in this hotel room. Thank you. And @lorrigoddard_ I can't thank you enough for the morale boost of blonde. And to my love @mrchrismcmillan 🖤 #humancondition #strengthinvulnerablity #MS #stillanactress #always #willmakeitwork #heartwideopen ❤️ #thisisforallofus. #littlethings

According to Selma, who spent the weekend in New York City, that price is some less-than-pleasant feelings: "My brain is on fire. I am freezing," she wrote, adding that she "can't sleep at night," but that during the day, she has trouble staying awake.

But it's not all physical. Selma also opened up about the mental side of dealing with MS: "We feel alone with it even though the loving support has been a god send and appreciated."

Selma also said that people often ask her how she copes with her illness. "I do my best," she wrote. "But I choke with the pain of what I have lost and what I dare hope for and how challenging it is to walk around."

Difficulty walking is a common symptom of MS. The disease affects the central nervous system, basically inhibiting normal communication between the brain and the body—which means many people suffer from fatigue, difficulty walking, dizziness, and vertigo, according to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society.

Because of that, Selma now uses a cane to help her walk, according to another recent Instagram post. "My cane is also to alert people I may trip (likely) or fall or slur," she wrote.

..." I had grasped well that there are situations in life where our body is our entire self and fate . I was in my body and nothing else...My body was my calamity. My body ...was my physical and metaphysical dignity. " Jean Amery

Despite her symptoms, Selma says that her smiles are genuine. "This is OK. Life is an adventure with many shards of awakening," she wrote. "I have a full week ahead with mothering and appointments and things to look forward to. But like many of us, I am praying. Soaking in love where I can. It’s not easy. That’s OK."

This article originally appeared on Women's Health US.

Korin Miller

Korin Miller is a freelance writer who lives by the beach. She has big hopes to own a teacup pig and taco truck one day.