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Family, friends & relationships
Part of MND Australia
AUIndependent publisher
This describes who publishes a source, not how reliable it is.
Open source (opens in a new tab)Link checked August 2026
About this source
MND Australia's guidance for people living with MND on telling family, friends and colleagues about the diagnosis, how relationships may change afterwards, and asking for and accepting help.
Where this source is used
Used in 4 places across 1 domain.
Questions
Support
Family Communication
- How do I talk with my family and friends about ALS/MND?
Supports this
“Family and friends react to an ALS/MND diagnosis in very different ways, from becoming a mainstay to pulling away.”
MND Australia describes the same range. It says some family and friends become a lifeline and some friendships grow stronger, while others find MND too difficult to cope with and avoid the person.
Some family and friends will become a lifeline for you and your family in the months and years ahead.
How relationships may change - How do I talk with my family and friends about ALS/MND?
Qualifies this
“People around you often want to help but do not know how.”
MND Australia says the same thing more cautiously. It says some people may want to help out but not know how, and it does not say how commonly this happens.
Some people might also want to help out, but not know how.
Family, friends & relationships - How do I talk with my family and friends about ALS/MND?
Supports this
“Who to tell about ALS/MND, when to tell them, and how much to say is the person's own decision.”
MND Australia says the decision about how and when to share the diagnosis belongs to the person with MND, and suggests telling close family and friends first if telling everyone feels like too much.
How you decide to share your diagnosis and handle this is up to you.
Telling family & friends about MND - How do we cope with difficult emotions and disagreements?
Adds context
“Strong emotions and some tension are a normal part of family life with ALS/MND.”
MND Australia says conversations about symptoms, treatment and future care can be emotional and stressful, and that relationships with friends and family may change as MND progresses. It describes the strain but does not say that tension between family members is normal or expected.
Conversations about managing symptoms, treatment and future care can be emotional and stressful.
Asking for and accepting help
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