Mental Health and MS: Depression Symptoms

Lisa Emrich Living With It Musician, Patient Advocate, and Founder - Carnival of MS Bloggers Lisa Emrich is a professional musician. She happens to live with... Send Message Subscribe: Lisa Emrich

Tuesday, September 15, 2009
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Dreams are often a good indicator of where our needs in life are. The brain has an amazing ability to work through problems and issues while we sleep which is where the phrase - sleep on it - comes from. Sometimes the mind needs to work through our emotions while we sleep which is when my...

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Depression
Michaelbgerber
Tuesday, September 15, 2009 at 06:26 PM

What an important topic and you have and are handling it exceedingly well. Thank you for taking on this subject.

Michael

re: Depression
Lisa Emrich
Wednesday, September 16, 2009 at 12:31 PM

Hi Michael,

When a topic weighs heavily on your heart, it's time to bring it out in the open. Often we will find that we're not alone in our experiences. I'm hoping that at least one aspect of one post will help at least one person. It helps me to research the topic and present it. :)

Also, it's really good to see you here!!

re: re: Depression
Michaelbgerber
Wednesday, September 16, 2009 at 01:28 PM

I am sure that you will touch many people with this series. I am looking forward to seeing and learning more.

As far as "being here" goes, it was Vicki's articles on SPMS that brought me here and it is quite a good site. Then I found Merely Me's postings and now yours and I am hooked. I am not sre if this is a placefor my kind of writing because I don't focus on MS. What do you think? The three of you are excellent and prolific writers and I wouldbe thrilled to be in your company.

Michael

DEPRESSION
Maris B. Mohr
Wednesday, September 16, 2009 at 06:54 AM

Lisa,

Thanks for the important, interesting topic.

I stopped being depressed when I got my dx of MS back in 1998. The minute there was a name and treatments for what had bothered me for at least 20 years, I was free! I stopped being depressed and anxious.

No one has 100% happy time, not even me, but things are more balanced and more in proportion since dx. Although the drs all think I should be depressed, either by virtue of having MS or because of the many meds that have depression as a side effect, I'M NOT.

I send as much positive energy as I can to all who are in need.

Peace & Serenity,

Maris

re: DEPRESSION
Lisa Emrich
Wednesday, September 16, 2009 at 12:42 PM

Hi Maris,

Not knowing what it is that is causing so many problems with our body can certainly be depressing. Once an answer or explanation is found or presented, many MSers find that a burden has been lifted and that life becomes easier to live. I'm glad that this was the case for you.

It seems silly that doctors would suggest that you SHOULD be depressed. The mind and body don't necessarily follow the "shoulds" in life. Good thing that you spread the protection of positive light and energy; I suspect that it helps to keep you in that light as well.

Lisa

re: re: DEPRESSION
Maris B. Mohr
Thursday, September 24, 2009 at 04:23 AM

Hi again Lisa,

I addition to writing here pretty often, I'm actually a poet. One day I'll send one that I think describes my optimism.

In the meantime, it's a beautiful day, I was able to get up this morning, take a swim, and sit here talking to you. Life is good AROUND what MS does to me .

Be happy & feel good,

Maris

Diagnosis, Medication, and Therapy
Kell
Monday, September 21, 2009 at 04:25 PM

Hi Lisa,

Another great article! I find the connection of MS and depression really interesting.

I was diagnosed with depression years ago and was put on an antidepressant that turned me into an emotional zombie. Soon after that, I was diagnosed with MS and was put on a different antidepressant that helped a lot. But it didn't stop those deep dips into depression that I was suffering from, so the doctor asked me to see a therapist. The one I've been seeing focuses on cognitve therapy and has been teaching me how to notice the triggers for my downward spirals and training my thoughts to go in a different direction. It's taken over a year, but sometimes I'm actually able to stop spiraling down to despair and self-loathing. I think depression is always going to be an issue because I do think the MS is one of the causes of the depression. Before the medication and therapy, I knew when I was heading to a dark place, I just couldn't stop myself and couldn't pull myself out. It's better now. I don't think I can be "cured," but sometimes I can catch myself before an episode gets too bad.