Patient Contributor

Barbara Stensland

Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Patient Stories

Barbara Stensland is a writer, blogger, building project manager and part-time PhD student. Originally from Scotland, she now lives in South Wales, UK.

Overview

Living With Condition
9 Years
Published
17 Articles, 1 Video
Location
Cardiff, Wales

Since 2012, Barbara has written a blog about her life with MS, her son, who she refers to as The Teenager who is now at University, and anything else that randomly popped into her mind. She recently completed an MA in Creative Writing at Cardiff Metropolitan University and has decided to put herself through the trauma and sleepless nights once more, this time embarking upon a PhD in the same subject.

Her book, ‘Stumbling In Flats’ was short-listed for the International Rubery Book Award 2015 and her Master’s dissertation novella was short-listed for the 2017 Exeter Story Prize.

In her spare time, she can often be found bingeing on Netflix box-sets, hanging around cafes ‘for inspiration’ and soya lattes and meeting up with friends who have supported her from the very beginning. Oh, and she likes expensive candles and gift shops in museums.

UK/MED/18/0284 October 2019

Published Articles

My MS Novel: How Writing was My Salvation
2 mins 18 secs
video
Barbara Stensland

My MS Novel: How Writing was My Salvation

When the "New Normal" Left Behind the Same People
7 mins
article
Barbara Stensland

When the "New Normal" Left Behind the Same People

Grieving for Your Old Life after an MS Diagnosis
9 mins
article
Barbara Stensland

Grieving for Your Old Life after an MS Diagnosis

A New Year Full of Uncertainty with MS
4 mins
article
Barbara Stensland

A New Year Full of Uncertainty with MS

Why Online Therapy Suits My Lifestyle with MS
3 mins
article
Barbara Stensland

Why Online Therapy Suits My Lifestyle with MS

Navigating ‘Toxic Positivity’ with Chronic Illness
4 mins
article
Barbara Stensland

Navigating ‘Toxic Positivity’ with Chronic Illness

6 Ways to Cope When Illness Confines You Indoors
4 mins
article
Barbara Stensland

6 Ways to Cope When Illness Confines You Indoors

What MS Took From Me – and What it Gave Back
4 mins
article
Barbara Stensland

What MS Took From Me – and What it Gave Back

Move Over, Summer: Why I’m Waiting for Winter with MS
4 mins
article
Barbara Stensland

Move Over, Summer: Why I’m Waiting for Winter with MS

What My MS Diagnosis Taught Me About Friendship
4 mins
article
Barbara Stensland

What My MS Diagnosis Taught Me About Friendship

Body Positivity and MS: Falling Out – and Back In – Love with my Body
4 mins
article
Barbara Stensland

Body Positivity and MS: Falling Out – and Back In – Love with my Body

MS Fatigue: Not an Excuse to Sleep, But a Reason To
3 mins
article
Barbara Stensland

MS Fatigue: Not an Excuse to Sleep, But a Reason To

Talking it Over: The Power of Counselling
3 mins
article
Barbara Stensland

Talking it Over: The Power of Counselling

MS in my Future: Would I Have Wanted to Know?
3 mins
article
Barbara Stensland

MS in my Future: Would I Have Wanted to Know?

Living with MS: Rebuilding a Better Version of You
4 mins
article
Barbara Stensland

Living with MS: Rebuilding a Better Version of You

Yes, I Have MS... But I Don't Fight It
3 mins
article
Barbara Stensland

Yes, I Have MS... But I Don't Fight It