Low mood and depression could come on at any time. Especially when the area of the brain which processes controls is damaged or by other symptoms of MS.

Some medication such as corticosteroids and interferon also could cause depression in some people.

Low mood and depression could come on at any time. Especially when the area of the brain which processes controls is damaged or by other symptoms of MS.

Some medication such as corticosteroids and interferon also could cause depression in some people.

Clinical depression, can cause flare-ups which are major depressive episodes and could last for 2 weeks or several months or more.

Mild depression can be controlled with the help of friends and family but if depression is deeper then you need psychotherapy and antidepressants is necessary.

Symptoms of low mood: (infographic)

1. Anxiety
2. Worry
3. Sadness
4. Frustration
5. Tiredness
6. Anger
7. Low self-esteem
8. Panic attacks.

Irritability, agitation or sadness.

Loss of pleasure or interest of everyday activities.

Loss of or increase of appetite.

Persistent thought of death or suicide

Tiredness, lethargy or not having energy

Feeling of hopelessness and despair

Restlessness.

Tearful

Fatigue

Feeling guilt or worthlessness

Difficulty in concentration

Sleep disturbance

Managing Depression & Anxiety

Depression could be due to nerve damage which affects mood or complexity of living with MS. If it is strong or lasts a long time it can be overwhelming. Anxiety is the result of worry, fear or tension. In depression it is a single illness whereas anxiety refers to a group of conditions.

(1). Exercise daily.

(2). Avoid anything that could make you stressed. If there is something that is inevitable, deal with it calmly.

(3). Meditating and breathing exercise could help.

(4). Maintain your social network such as staying in contact with friends, join online support groups or family.

(5). Write your feelings down in a note book and write down what stresses you feel so that you can ways to stop thinking of it.

(6). Stop addictive substances such as alcohol, tobacco and such like.

(7). Speak to your Doctor as they can treat you appropriately.

Physical symptoms:

A person who is depressed could feel tired all the time and neglect chores. 

   Loss of appetite

     Weight loss

     Comfort eating

     Aches and pains unrelated to any particular activity

   Avoiding social activities

     Lack of concentration

     Changes in sleep patterns

     Insomnia

     Unable to think clearly

     Increase in consumption of alcohol/smoking/ substances

     Self harm such as suicide

     Self neglect such as not having a bath

It is normal to have fear and worry when first diagnosed and adjusting to living with Multiple Sclerosis. Where symptoms are long-term conditions a feeling of anger and sadness may lead to a grieving process.

Grieving could occur for the person they were before diagnoses and symptoms or grieving for the future they had but now cannot.

There are 5 stages of Grief.

1.  Denial-The initial shock of diagnosis of MS.

2.  Anger – Anger towards self and MS.

3.  Bargaining – Helps to be in control saying “ what if….”.

4.  Depression – Feeling sad, despair in having MS.

5.  Acceptance – This makes you feel calmer and face life with MS.

Anger can be felt when realizing that MS is a long-term illness with unknown symptoms. A feeling of ‘why me” and realizing how MS has changed their life. A feeling of powerlessness or out of control could result in anger. Anger is how one deals with upset, shame and vulnerability. Bottling up how anxious one is can reduce quality of life. If this is not dealt with it could have a negative impact on relationships.

Frustration can also surface in dealing with MS and the reality that they cannot change or achieve something. If not dealt with, it could result in unhappiness, poor sleep, negative thinking or self-pity. Distress tolerance skills must be taught to distract and shift focus.

 Things to help with anger and frustration:

1.  Pamper self with aromatherapy, reflexology or massage. 

2.  Get out and about – take a walk, sit on a bench in park or beach, take a train ride.

3.  Be creative – learn a hobby or new language or yoga.

4.  Express yourself physically by drumming or singing.

5.  Positive Self talk.

There can be a grieving process as to why it is happening to them and the impact on people around.

The main reasons for guilt are:

1.  Feeling that they have let down their families, colleagues and friends.

2.  Their burden on family life

3.  Need to reduce hours of work, socializing, attendance at special events and hobbies.

4.  A need to have to depend on others.

5.  Feeling they were responsible for developing MS by not exercising or eating healthy.

6.  Punishment for what they had done in the past or some wrong doing in their life.

Things to do when feeling guilt:

Speaking to a mental health professional

Counselling or Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)

Relationship or family therapy.