Mental Health and MS
How has your MS impacted your mental health?
Do you ever experience anxiety, depression, or catastrophizing?
What has helped you cope with it all?
I was just thinking about this today. I have a psychologist as part of my MS team. I see her once a month or more if needed. It’s nice to have someone to talk to about the sleeplessness, insomnia, depression, an anxiety that comes from MS and trying to get others to understand our symptoms. Last year, I went to the ER after I had a horrible MS hug for 6 days and couldn’t slept for 5 days. I was put in a 72 hr hold at a mental health clinic. It helped to already have a psychologist I was working with and my husband picked me up early. It was scary that I wasn’t understood at the ER. I think this may happen too.
Goodness, I can't even imagine what that must have been like for you. That must have been really frightening (and frustrating) to go through. I hope it's ok to ask you this but do you have a therapist you can speak to? Someone to confide in when you're having those bad MS flares but also to help validate your experience and support you? Sending you lots of hugs this morning... 🧡 Kayleigh, MultipleSclerosis.net team although I have not been hospitalized for mental health reasons for MS Hug, MS has made my mental health a roller coaster. Mostly depression & PTSD.
Big gentle hug!
Beth
I've discovered I just have to be patient. Not exactly my strength, but I can't do things as quickly as I used to. At 52, I was recently diagnosed (8 months ago). I've had good medical help and critical help from my wife and son.
, boy, I hear you! I am NOT a patient person, so you have my admiration for doing your best to become more patient. I love that you have a good medical team and great support in your wife and son. Support can really make a big difference!
Thank you for sharing!
Best, Erin, MultipleSclerosis.net Team Member.I got diagnosed at 57 after a lifelong struggle. In 2021, the neurologist diagnosed me with transverse myelitis and then MS subsequently. I am glad, at least I have a correct diagnosis and getting the right treatment. My current neurologist is no longer at this place and he is nowhere to be found. I don’t get to see the new one until July 8th. Just last week I had a flare, hence called his office where the new neurologist also works in the same gr. however, there was no response since they changed the policy of ‘on call’ doctors to none. The rep (not lying!) said they work only work Mon-Fri. For other calls, just go to the ER! Frustrating situation. I am lost. Any suggestions are welcome.
It made my already present mental health problems worse.
I really need to find a therapist who can understand my MS issues, I should say “subscriptions”!!!
Any tips to find someone???I know members who have used https://www.psychologytoday.com/us to try to help find a therapist. You can filter by your location. Although the site does not have a filter for MS specifically, you may be able to find someone whom you can talk to. You can also ask your medical team if they know of anyone. I hope this helps. Jill (Team Member)
I have what I call emotional incontinence... difficult to control tears when they start. Ruminating on problems etc
I'm with you! I refer to my crying in the third person because it just takes over and its very hard to stop. Its linked with fatigue with me, though not always😉 A nap of often resets my mood, maybe that will work for you. Sending you good thoughts! , I know your comment was for , but your words really resonated with me. When those tears just overtake you, it can be a LOT and yes, fatigue can make it worse. And I also find a nap to be a great way to reset my mood and feel grounded again.
Best, Erin, Team Member.
