Mental Health
MS can affect your emotions. Let’s give MS something to feel bad about.
It’s not surprising that around 60% of people living with MS will experience problems with their mental health. The link between MS and mental well-being is complex and different for everyone.
It’s not clear whether changes in mood, emotions, or behaviour are caused directly by the effects of MS on the brain itself or as an indirect effect of living with MS.
I’ve struggled with both anxiety and bouts of depression since being diagnosed with MS. The uncertainty about the disease and how it might progress in the future has left me feeling helpless at times. I’ve always been a bit of a worry wart, so being diagnosed with something with so many unknowns has been stressful to say the least.
In addition to MS, I’ve been diagnosed with generalized anxiety disorder and major depressive disorder. The severity and impact of these mood disorders have varied throughout the last 15 years since my MS diagnosis, but the uncertainty of MS progression, fear of changes in functioning and the grief of having to change or let go of plans I had for my life have certainly impacted my mood. I needed help from mental health professionals to learn how to accept the uncertainty, fear and grief and find ways to cope and move forward in my life with MS.
Katie used to struggle with her mental health. She experiences mood swings and panic attacks, and always felt worried, which was making her deeply unhappy. When it became a huge problem and affected all aspects of her life, she knew she had to take steps to manage it.
She opened up to her doctor.
Speaking with my doctor was the most important step towards gaining back control of my emotional well-being.
Talking about how she was feeling with someone she trusted empowered Katie to take back control. Now, she considers her emotional well-being to be as important as any other aspect of her MS. She now regularly keeps her doctor up-to-date on how she is feeling and lets them know about any changes in her mood.
She connected with friends and family and the wider MS community.
I could share my thoughts and feelings with people who understood. They were able to offer up their experience and expertise.
Katie was able to find some relief by communicating with like-minded people online and in local MS support groups.
She also found comfort in her friends and family. Although it can be difficult talking about your diagnosis or symptoms with people close to you, they are an important source of support when you need it most. Head to our relationships page and read more about having positive conversations with friends and family.
Katie’s top tips for putting your mental health and well-being before MS
- Breathe deeply to help reduce stress and avoid panic
- Use guided meditation apps to help de-stress
- Get enough rest
- Join online community groups. Share your experiences
- Surround yourself with positive people
- Speak to your doctor, family, and friends about how you are feeling
- Treat yourself to a special activity just for you – spend time exploring the outdoors, see a movie, read a book, or just go for coffee
- Don’t be afraid to speak to your doctor and get medication to help
I have managed my anxiety and depression through weekly one-on-one therapy sessions. I attend hospital-run programs on talking therapy sessions and mindfulness, I meditate, I write in a journal, and I take anti-depressant medication. If you are experiencing anxiety and depression, ask your doctor what programs you may be able to access for free through the hospital you are connected to.
Although my depression can make me want to close myself off from the world, I’ve noticed I tend to feel better when I push myself outside of my comfort zone. Saying ‘yes’ is the first step. ‘Yes, I’ll go with you to the park.’ ‘Yes, I’ll go with you for dinner and a movie.’ ‘Yes, I’d love to come over for a glass of wine!'
Talking to my friends about the invisible symptoms of MS, such as anxiety and depression, has been the biggest help to me. I hate when people worry about me. However, as soon as I opened up about some of my daily struggles that may not have been obvious to them, everything changed. My friends are now able to provide support and help push me to push myself.
Want to read more about MS and mental health?
Find articles below featuring information on how MS can affect mental health, and what we can do to help stop it.
MS can affect relationships. But it doesn’t have to break them.
Relationships have highs and lows. Our information can help you say ‘Hi’ to the highs more often.
MS can change your life. But it doesn’t have to define it.
MS doesn’t have to stop you doing what you love. In these articles you’ll find information on how to continue living your way.
