Keeping ‘Mentally Fit’ with MS

By R. Morgan Griffin
WebMD Feature

Reviewed by Arefa Cassoobhoy, MD, MPH

When you have MS, your emotions are in play.  While having MS raises your chances of having depression, knowing that fact — and being aware — can help you try to prevent it and get treatment. Protect yourself with healthy habits.

Get moving. When it comes to MS treatment, exercise is a two-for-one. Being active improves MS symptoms — like fatigue and bladder problems — and improves your mood, says Rosalind Kalb, PhD, vice president of clinical care at the National Multiple Sclerosis Society. “It’s essential,” she says.

Many people with MS say they feel better after walking, swimming, and biking. Before working out, talk to your doctor about what kind of exercise is good for you.

Relax. Kicking back in front of the TV likely isn’t enough. Try to relaxconsciously — set aside time for it.

“I think it’s especially hard for people, especially women, to be in the moment,” says Cindy Richman, senior director at the Multiple Sclerosis Association of America. “Yoga, meditation, mindfulness, and other approaches can help with that.” Taking breaks works too, she says. “Read a few lines of a poem. Write in a journal. Go smell the flowers in your garden.”

Get backup. You still have all the responsibilities you had before you got MS, but now you may not have the energy to tackle them all. That leads to stress.

Talk to your family and friends. Ask for help — whether it’s grocery shopping, picking up the kids after school, or making dinner. Talk to the people in your life before you’re already feeling overwhelmed.

Taking care of yourself — and preserving your resources — isn’t selfish. Lowering stress is good for your mental health, and that’s good for your family.  

Tackle issues one at a time. It’s easy to get overwhelmed, especially when you’re having a challenging day. Stay in control by focusing on specific issues, and come up with solutions one at a time.  

What would make your mornings easier? What household tasks are the most and the least important? Prioritize. “One success builds your confidence, and that leads you to the next,” Kalb says.

Get a coach. Therapists  – 

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