Ann Romney revealed Friday how her Multiple Sclerosis diagnosis challenged her self-identity and how she and husband drew strength from the challenge.

“It was hard for Mitt,” she said in a two-part interview with Fox News. “I think it's always harder sometimes for the person watching than the person going through it. But it was hard for me too. I will tell you because we have an identity. My identity was mother, accomplished, doing many things, taking care of everybody and all the sudden I couldn't even take care of myself.”

Romney said receiving the diagnosis was like having “a rug being pulled out from underneath” but that her husband, the likely GOP presidential nominee, gave her “great strength.”

She said her husband reminded her that he loved her for who she was, not what she did, including raising their five boys, and they would still have a full life.

“Having my husband give me that perspective when I was losing that perspective and a little frightened and a little overwhelmed, it was wonderful to have him there,” she said.

Romney also said her faith and health struggles, including breast cancer, would influence her role as first lady should her husband win the presidential election.

Romney acknowledged her role on the campaign trail has included helping her husband stay relaxed and focused...