Multiple Sclerosis and Mental Health

Depression and MS

  • Depression
    Depression Symptoms
    Individuals with MS have a greater risk of experiencing a depressive episode at some point in time; 50 percent of individuals with MS will become depressed during their lifetime, compared to less than 20 percent of the American population.
  • Artistic Depressed Woman
    Depression Causes
    As a result of a hellacious week, I had many reasons to be depressed. I found a therapist with whom I would develop a great working relationship, which certainly helped years later when I was being diagnosed with MS.
  • Depression Treatments
    Symptoms of depression are not similar to symptoms of an MS relapse, unfortunately, where if you wait long enough the relapse will subside. Depression will often get worse over time if not addressed.
  • Depression, Inflamation and MS
    Recent studies have found that inflammation is associated with some major depressive disorder patients. Wouldn’t it be nice if that’s all it took to “be happy” once again - a fresh coat of paint?
  • Positive Steps to Take When Depressed
    When my Depression became coupled with stress from multiple jobs and an overwhelming work load, I knew I had to take action.
  • Depressed Lonely Girl
    MS and Depression
    "Mental health problems do not affect three or four out of every five persons, but one out of one." - William C. Menninger

Interview with Dr. Deb, Psychologist

  • New Doctor
    Anyone who deals with a chronic illness such as Multiple Sclerosis will undoubtedly have some emotional challenges to overcome. Doctor Deb provides her expertise and experience with how to best cope with some of these psychological challenges.

Anxiety, Mood, and Self-Image

  • Anxiety & Migraine
    Anxiety Disorders
    In a recent study, the lifetime prevalence of any anxiety disorder in MS patients was 35.7% while lifetime prevalence is 23% in the general population. Other anxiety disorders showed similar spikes with MS.
  • Mood Swings with MS
    Some people with MS may also be very emotionally volatile with great mood swings. But in addition to this emotional turbulence about ten percent of us who have Multiple Sclerosis may also have a condition known as pseudobulbar affect or PBA.
  • Depression and Anxiety Image
    A Fresh Look at MS and Mood
    Whether the cause of the mood swings is MS itself, a side-effect to medication, or simply hormonal changes, the experience remains as unpleasant.
  • MS and Self-Image
    I would like to sit here and say that I am the very same person as I was before being diagnosed with MS. But my body and brain do not function in the same manner as they used to. Each day I must learn to navigate the world in ways I never imagined.
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