The Reality of Depression, Anxiety, and Emotional Symptoms of MS

By Devin Garlit

Last Updated:

1 min read

Many people who have MS experience not only physical symptoms like spasticity, pain, and weakness, but also emotional symptoms like depression and anxiety. Unfortunately there is a stigma associated with mental health in general, which can make it even more challenging for people to seek treatment. So I wanted to share my personal story in hopes that it may help others in the MS community.

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lcal Member

Devin, thank you so much for taking the time and effort to create this video on mental illness Stigma and depression as it relates to MS. I was diagnosed in 1995 10 years almost after a stroke(hemiplegic migraine) yet until about 2-3 years ago always rode with ease through ups n downs. My mind will not allow me that any longer and it's frustrating as I've never been a depressed person or if I was could pull out of it in a couple of days Thank you for the reminder that is is or can be part of the disease process as I daily look for every other reason something could be instead of the obvious, MS I WISH YOU WELL and hope you take your own advice! I have lived first hand on the effects of suicide and (as you know) it never needs to be an option. I'm so happy your wife seems to pick up on your different moods and asks you about it. She seems awesome!! One more thing, off subject I could not help but notice in video you have beautiful teeth. So many years of so many meds have destroyed mine, SO KEEP SMILING DEVIN
1. Devin Garlit Moderator
 
 Thanks so much lcal! Like you, I went a long time when I could skate through the ups and downs, and then it just became nearly impossible. Thanks so much for commenting. I do need to take my own advice (that's always much harder than I think it should be!) haha and thanks about the teeth! I owe all that to genetics and my dad's side of the family (lol, though I guess I could say that about MS too). I wish you well too, keep up the fight!
antoinettefugere Member

Hey Devin Garlit, Thank you for sharing your story with us. It is a great forum where people can share their stories. Where on the other side, people who are suffering with it will get some hope and solution to cope up with their problems. Though I haven't done any research on any of the Physical or emotional symptoms. But these problems are so common now-a-days that we some about know about it. Like my friend some time before was struggling with his depression. He tried everything but nothing helped him out. Then someone told him to consult the Voyance Direct from Martine Voyance at <a href='https://www.martine-voyance.com/consultation/' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer ugc'>http://www.martine-voyance.com/consultation/</a>. He consulted and the results were positive.
pamodie Member

I have been so depressed for about a month. I get told to cheer up, or people have it worst than you, what are you depressed about? Any words of wisdom would help. Is they're a med that doesn't have weight gain or so many side effects?
1. Devin Garlit Moderator
 
 Thanks <inline-mention user-id="4060968" username="pamodie"/> , so sorry to hear. I think the worst thing someone can say to use is to "just cheer up". There are definitely a wide variety of medications available, obviously, there can be side effects with anything. One of the best things I can recommend, is to find a therapist and try them out. If you don't click with them, then try a different one. It may not seem it, but seeing a therapist regularly can be a fantastic way to handle depression. Not only is extremely beneficial to talk to someone, can can often teach you good strategies that can help you every day. Eventually, they may evaluate you for medication, but that isn't always the case. As my own example, I see a therapist, who isn't a doctor, he was formerly a social worker, took more classes and does therapy now. He did have me meet with someone about possibly taking a medication, but for now, we've opted not to. Instead, I see him regularly and it's extremely helpful. I think a lot of people think that, they go to see a therapist and there is a push for medication and that isn't always the case. That may be more common when you go to see a full on psychiatrist, but I always recommend seeing a therapist/counselor first. Sometimes, searching for "counseling services" in your area is really the best place to start.
Hope Member

<inline-mention username="Devin Garlit" user-id="3978256"/> Hi 🙋‍♀️ Devin, I'm not sure if you'll ever see this since your original post was in 2017, now 2022, but I'm going to post anyways 🙂 It will be 1 year on 3/25/22 that I was diagnosed with MS at the young age of 51 😁 My Neurologist, who did not thing I had MS, I did suspect it, had to give me the diagnosis after my brain MRI came back with lesions. When I asked how many, his answer was "Too many to count!". 😳 He believes my MS goes back at least a decade. I suffer with a lot of cognitive issues, including brain fog, memory, depression, anxiety, indecisiveness, multitasking, along with ADD & agoraphobia which made me have to leave my job of 17years. I also have sensory issues, tingling, numbness, severe pain & fatigue. I have also begun having Migraines, which I had never had, God Bless all who suffer from severe migraines, they are debilitating! I actually consider myself lucky that I don't have more severe MS disabilities, it scares me knowing that more symptoms can appear at anytime, I feel I need to do as much as I possibly can before (IF) mobility issues arise. I too don't seem to get any improvement with antidepressants. 😥 I'm searching for a Neuropsychologist now in hopes that they will be able to help and I'm a huge believer in talk therapy. It's finding the right Doctor that's 1/2 the battle, so frustrating! 🤬 And to be honest that's what has kept me from doing this sooner, but truly you have to be your best advocate! I'm blessed to have my person that takes me to every appt & I refuse to go in without him. He is a vital part of my care bc I do not remember a lot of what the Dr says & there are times (many) that I don't even remember going to the Dr, which freaks me out a little 😳 and it's all bc of my "Broken Brain" (that's what I call it) 🤪 There is soooo much to learn about MS, it's crazy! I'm not sure what my MS journey will be, but I'm grateful there are sights like this & peeps like YOU 😊 Sincerely, Hope 🙋‍♀️
1. Lori Foster Member
 
 Hi <inline-mention username="Hope" user-id="4166012"/>! Tagging Devin in this comment should help call his attention to it. So, hopefully, he will respond. I am glad you hear you are advocating for yourself both by having someone you trust accompany you to appointments and by finding the most effective approach to your depression. It must have been overwhelming to get your diagnosis, but I am guessing it was also a bit of a comfort to finally understand the source of your symptoms. I hope you find some relief for your migraines and depression. Thinking of you. - Lori (Team Member) 
2. Devin Garlit Moderator
 
 Thanks so much <inline-mention username="Hope" user-id="4166012"/>! I really appreciate you taking the time to share some of what you've gone through. I think it will resonate with a lot of people, it certainly does for me. Like you, I haven't had much luck with antidepressants, but, also like you, I am a big fan of talk therapy. Like you said, finding the right doctor is the most important thing and often the most difficult, it can make such a huge difference. Best of luck and be sure to keep us up to date on how you are doing!
lisa.hunadi Member

Devin...thank you for this post. I came upon this because I myself have been struggling with mental health issues lately living with MS..diagnosed 5 years ago but probably had it 5 years before but never diagnosed properly. I am seeking help with a neuropsychologist who has much experience with MS patients.It is so important to take care of your mental health needs with MS.. I totally agree with you.. This disease is not easy to live with but seeking the right help when needed is so important.. Thanks again. I really love with site and the support from all people with MS here.
1. Devin Garlit Moderator
 
 Thanks so much, <inline-mention username="lisa.hunadi" user-id="4032663"/>! I am so glad to hear that you are seeking help with a professional, it can make a huge difference!
mach87 Member

I am currently in a relapse with my depression. I have MDD and I have been in contact with my mental health providers. Tomorrow, I am scheduled for my ocrevus infusion that due to infusion reactions has to run 5 hours. I am contemplating rescheduling because when I’m not sobbing, I am holding back tears. I have battled depression (more than half of my life) longer than MS. I am well versed on all the skills, techniques and coping mechanisms. It is just difficult trying to access that knowledge when you are in the thick of it. I am not sure what I am seeking in posting this, maybe someone has experienced something similar prior to an infusion and could share how they managed. Anyway, thanks for taking time to read my post. 
1. Latoya.Juniel Community Admin
 
 <inline-mention username="mach87" user-id="3942867"/> Thank you for being so open. That takes real strength, especially when you're feeling this overwhelmed. It’s completely valid to feel unsure about going through with your infusion when your mental health is already stretched thin. Depression can cloud everything, making the tools we know how to use seem inaccessible and hard to practice in the moment. I haven’t had the exact same experience, but I can only imagine how physically and emotionally draining those long infusions can be. I want to share with you a popular article that speaks on managing depression from one of our great contributors, Matt Allen. You can access the article here- <a href='https://multiplesclerosis.net/living-with-ms/managing-depression-anxiety' target='_blank'>https://multiplesclerosis.net/living-with-ms/managing-depression-anxiety</a>. Know that you’re not alone in this, and I really hope someone who’s been through something similar shares their experience. Either way, I’m rooting for you, and I truly hope you get a little more ease, soon. Hang in there, Latoya (Team Member)