Table of Contents
By Anshuli Singhal, Software Engineer & MD Warrior
Introduction: More Than a Physical Condition
Muscular Dystrophy (MD) is often discussed in terms of muscle weakness, mobility loss, or wheelchairs. But what many people don’t see is the emotional journey that unfolds quietly alongside the physical changes.
The emotional effects of muscular dystrophy often go unnoticed, even though they deeply impact daily life, mental health, and self-identity.
I’m Anshuli Singhal, a software engineer, and I’ve been living with Muscular Dystrophy for the past 15 years. Once a top student with ambitious dreams, my life took an unexpected turn after diagnosis. This article isn’t just about MD as a medical condition — it’s about emotional resilience, mental health, and learning how to thrive emotionally while living with a progressive neuromuscular disease.
If you’re someone living with MD, or supporting a loved one who is, I hope my story helps you feel seen, understood, and less alone.
Emotional Effects of Muscular Dystrophy in Daily Life
Living with Muscular Dystrophy is not a single emotional experience — it’s a series of evolving phases.
As physical abilities gradually change, emotions often follow a similar trajectory:
Grief for lost independence
Fear about the future
Frustration with daily limitations
Social isolation
Anxiety about career, relationships, and self-worth
People may notice the wheelchair or mobility aids, but they rarely see the emotional strength required to keep showing up every day — to study, to work, to smile, and to keep believing in yourself.
In my experience, the emotional weight of MD can sometimes feel heavier than the physical symptoms.
My Journey: From High Achieving Student to Software Engineer with MD
Academics were always my safe space. I loved problem-solving, coding, and learning new technologies. When Muscular Dystrophy entered my life, it didn’t erase my ambitions — but it forced me to redefine how I would achieve them.
I continued my education, adapted to new physical realities, and eventually built a career as a software engineer. From the outside, it may look like a success story — and in many ways, it is.
But behind that journey were quieter struggles:
Missing social events due to fatigue
Watching my body slow down while my mind raced ahead
Constantly wondering how long my independence would last
Success with MD isn’t about ignoring these emotions. It’s about learning to coexist with them.
Coping with Muscular Dystrophy: What Truly Helped Me Emotionally
1. Accepting the Diagnosis and Redefining Success
Acceptance didn’t happen overnight. Initially, I viewed MD as a barrier — something that took away more than it gave.
Over time, I learned to see it differently. MD changed my pace, not my potential.
My personal lesson:
Success doesn’t have one definition. Your journey, your speed, and your effort are valid — even when they look different from others.
2. Prioritizing Mental Health Alongside Career Growth
As someone in the tech field, it was easy to focus only on productivity and performance. But emotional burnout, frustration, and sadness don’t disappear just because you’re “functioning well.”
Therapy helped me understand that:
You can be strong and still struggle
You can be successful and still need help
Seeking emotional support is not weakness — it’s self-respect.
3. Building an Emotional Support System That Understands MD
A strong emotional network made a significant difference in my life. My parents, a few close friends, and supportive colleagues became my anchors.
Equally important were online communities — people living with Muscular Dystrophy who truly understood the daily realities without explanation.
My advice:
You don’t need many people. You need safe people.
4. Using Technology to Support Emotional Resilience
Technology became more than a career tool — it became an emotional support system.
Some tools that helped me:
Journaling apps (like Day One) to process emotions
Meditation apps (like Headspace) for anxiety and overwhelm
Productivity tools (like Notion) to stay mentally organized
Wheelchair friendly smart home devices to maintain independence
When your body feels limited, even small moments of control can significantly improve emotional well-being.
5. Staying Purpose-Driven Despite Physical Challenges
Purpose has been my emotional anchor.
Every line of code I write, every person who resonates with my story, and every barrier I overcome — it reminds me that my life has meaning beyond my diagnosis.
Whether your purpose is work, creativity, advocacy, or simply supporting others — let it guide you on difficult days.
Online Communities and Mental Health Resources for MD
Sometimes, the most genuine understanding comes from people you’ve never met in person.
Supportive Communities:
Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA) forums
Reddit – r/MuscularDystrophy
Facebook MD support groups
Mental Health Support Options:
7 Cups – free emotional support chats
BetterHelp – online therapy (including affordable plans)
These resources don’t replace medical care, but they can provide emotional clarity and connection.
Living with Muscular Dystrophy: Growth Over Guilt
Living with MD doesn’t mean life stops. It means life changes direction.
Some days are harder than others. Some days feel unfair. But I’ve learned that emotional strength isn’t about never breaking down — it’s about allowing yourself to heal, reset, and keep moving forward in your own way.
To anyone living with Muscular Dystrophy — or loving someone who is:
Your emotions are valid
Your struggles are real
Your future still holds possibility
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is it normal to feel emotionally overwhelmed with Muscular Dystrophy?
Yes. Progressive conditions like MD often bring emotional challenges such as anxiety, sadness, or grief. Seeking therapy, community support, or journaling can be extremely helpful.
Can people with Muscular Dystrophy have successful careers?
Absolutely. With adaptive technology, flexible environments, and emotional support, many people with MD — including myself — build fulfilling professional lives.
How can caregivers or family members support someone emotionally with MD?
Listen without judgment. Be patient. Encourage open conversations and celebrate small victories. Emotional presence matters more than solutions.
What are the emotional effects of muscular dystrophy?
AThe emotional effects of muscular dystrophy may include anxiety, grief, social isolation, depression, and fear about the future. These emotions often evolve as the condition progresses and can be managed with proper support and mental health care.
Final Note from Me
If this article resonated with you, please consider sharing it with someone who may need it.
For more real-life guidance, adaptive tools, and lived experiences, visit AdaptiveLifeGuide.com.
You are not alone — and your story still matters.
About the Author
Anshuli Singhal is a software engineer living with Muscular Dystrophy for over 15 years. She writes from lived experience about emotional health, adaptive technology, and independent living with disability.