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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.
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MS Central Support
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