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EMOTIONS AND MS Because MS is a chronic and unpredictable illness, it is common for patients to experience a multitude of emotional reactions. While it is important to maintain a balance of control in one's life, it is also necessary not to ignore symptoms and/or problems that are being experienced. For most people living with a chronic illness, there will become a point where depression and anxiety will occur. This is not uncommon, and it is important to recognize the signs of depression. Depression - Common symptoms of depression include a change in appetite, sleep problems, fatigue or loss of energy, the ability to concentrate or make decisions becomes more difficult, loss of self-esteem, changes in self-image, life plans, goals and values. Depression is highly treatable. Speaking with a counselor allows you to express your emotions, fully and openly. Therapy is an important part of dealing with depression. Medications also have a significant role in treating depression. Anxiety - Anxiety is an emotional response that occurs usually in conjunction with depression. Anxiety can be treated with tranquilizers together with counseling. Anxiety is a common reaction for many patients living with MS because of the unpredictability as well as the uncertainty of the illness. Stress - Stress is unavoidable in our everyday lives, but when speaking of stress from the standpoint of MS, it usually means emotional tension that shows up as anxiety, poor concentration and poor problem solving. Of course, it's always wise to avoid extreme stress, however, finding ways to minimize the stress in your life is most helpful. Whatever you find relaxing is a stress-management tool. Special Stresses The first, and probably one of the foremost concerns, is the unpredictability that Multiple Sclerosis places on the patient. Discussing prognosis with your physician helps to ease fears. Planning for the future for some patients is difficult because of the tendency to think of progression in percentiles. Enjoying life and living in the present are tools that should be utilized frequently. Research continues to move forward and new treatments are becoming available. Invisible symptoms such as fatigue and weakness can occur without any obvious signs of illness. When invisible symptoms occurs, it's difficult for family and friends to fully understand the scope of the illness. This is the time when knowledge of MS can be indispensable. Explaining symptoms that cannot be seen by others provides a greater understanding and knowledge of MS. Deciding on treatment can be a tedious process, and one that requires education of each treatment. Becoming educated about each injectible, speaking with your doctor, and reading the literature from the pharmaceutical companies aids the patient in deciding which medication will be suitable for them. Maintaining a positive outlook takes patience and is a work in progress. The ability to adapt and make changes takes strength, determination, and support. Stress Strategies Focus on the aspects in your life in which you have control such as how you will spend your day, whom you will socialize with, and so forth. Contribute to your community - whether it be large or small seeing plans come to fruition enhances self-esteem and helps to keep problems in perspective. Attend counseling sessions. Don't feel guilty - Learning to say no is healthy and retains our energy for activities that are important to us. Maintain a resource of people you can rely on for support. MS Central Support � 2002, 2003, 2004