Multiple sclerosis (MS) can profoundly affect your physical health, but it can also take a serious toll on your mental health. Depression, stress, anxiety, and mood swings are all common in people with advancing MS, but it’s possible to manage these emotional changes. Here are some ways to reduce stress, create a healthier mindset, and maintain a better quality of life.
If you have MS, you know that each day brings new challenges and questions. Constant uncertainty and worry can cause almost anyone to feel anxious, stressed, or fearful.
According to the Cleveland Clinic, the most common emotional changes you may experience with MS include:
- depressive symptoms and episodes
- grieving for the loss of a “normal” life
- stress and anxiety
- cognitive changes
- anger
- insomnia
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Your experience of the disease may lead to depression. For example, your changing body and mind may affect how you feel about yourself and your life. The disease itself may also cause depression: As MS attacks the myelin, your nerves may no longer be able to correctly transmit the electrical impulses that affect your mood.
The good news is that depression can be treated. In most cases, doctors prescribe a combination of therapy and antidepressant medication. Talk therapy may be one-on-one with a licensed professional, or your doctor may suggest meeting in group therapy sessions with other people who also have MS.
This Article is Provided by: #MSViewsandNews
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