Multiple Sclerosis and Mental Health - Plexus
Understanding the Connection
Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is a chronic autoimmune disease that affects the central nervous system, leading to a range of debilitating symptoms. Living with MS can present various challenges that impact not just physical health, but mental well-being as well. The connection between MS and mental health is rather complex. Studies indicate the presence of MS symptoms can exacerbate mental health conditions like anxiety and depression. This comprehensive guide elucidates the complexities between MS and mental health. We will explore the symptoms, challenges, and coping strategies for managing mental health while living with MS.
Understanding the Impact of MS on Mental Health
Let’s take a look at the physical
symptoms of MS to better understand the impact the condition has on our mental
health.
● Fatigue (read about fatigue in MS here)
● Mobility challenges - weakness, stiffness, tremors, and trouble
with balance and coordination
As the disease advances,
some individuals may need mobility aids such as canes, walkers, or wheelchairs.
● Sensory disturbances - numbness, tingling,
burning sensations, or hypersensitivity
● Vision problem - blurred vision, double
vision, optic neuritis, and difficulty with eye movements (read about MS-related vision
problems here)
● Spasticity
● Pain - headaches, muscle pain, joint pain,
or neuropathic pain
● Bladder and bowel dysfunction
● Sexual dysfunction
Chronic pain, mobility
limitations, and cognitive difficulties can significantly impact one's quality
of life and lead to feelings of frustration, isolation, and hopelessness.
Some of the most common MS-related
mental health issues include anxiety, mood swings, and cognitive dysfunction.
These can arise due to the stress of managing a chronic condition like, its
debilitating physical symptoms, or as side-effects from medication. Let’s take
a closer look below:
● Cognitive dysfunction: It is one of the
hallmark symptoms of MS. It can appear as difficulties with memory,
attention,decision making, problem solving,
information processing, and executive functioning. These cognitive
challenges have been known to significantly impact mental health causing
frustration, anxiety, and even cognitive overload.
● Depression: It often stems from the
challenges of living with MS, its physical symptoms, and the multitude of
changes in lifestyle and functioning. Symptoms of MS-related depression may
include:
○ Persistent sadness
○ Loss of interest or pleasure in activities
○ Appetite changes
○ Sleep issues
○ Feelings of worthlessness or guilt
○ Frequent thoughts of death, suicide,
self-harm, etc.
● Anxiety: This is another common mental
health issue associated with MS. It is characterized by excessive worry,
nervousness, restlessness, and tension. MS-related anxiety typically arises due
to the uncertainty of living with a chronic condition like MS, fear of disease
progression, and concerns about the future.
● Mood swings: These can occur due to
changes in brain chemistry, hormonal fluctuations, and the stress of managing
the condition. Patients may experience mood fluctuations between periods of
elevated mood (hypomania or mania) and periods of low mood (depression).
● Emotional lability: This refers to sudden
and uncontrollable changes in emotions. One moment the individual may be
laughing and the next they may burst into tears, both without apparent cause.
Emotional lability is often disruptive and difficult to manage. It can impact
relationships and social interactions.
Coping Strategies
Although MS comes with its
own set of challenges, it is important to keep in mind that you are not alone
on this journey. Today, we have access to numerous resources and strategies
that can help us navigate this intersection of MS and mental health challenges
with courage and resilience.
At Plexus, we offer coping
strategies that are tailored to the individual’s symptoms as well as counseling
support to caregivers and loved ones.
Here’s what we recommend to
our patients who are battling with MS-related anxiety and/or depression:
● Understand your condition: Knowledge is
power. Learn as much as you can about MS, including its symptoms, treatment
options, and prognosis. The more knowledge you have about your condition the
higher your chances of alleviating some of the fear and uncertainty associated
with it.
● Surround yourself with an empathetic
support network: Family, friends, and doctors who understand what you’re going
through can help provide validation and reassurance. Online support groups will
also introduce you to other individuals experiencing similar challenges. This
can also go a long way in helping you come to terms with your diagnosis.
● Practice relaxation and mindfulness
techniques: Deep breathing exercise, progressive muscle relaxation, and
meditation should be incorporated into your daily routine. These help calm your
mind and significantly reduce anxiety and stress levels. Additionally, these
practices also help you stay more present and grounded, rather than worry about
disease progression and worsening of symptoms.
● Be active: Regular exercise or physical
activity, such as yoga, walking, or swimming can help reduce stress and
anxiety. Physical activity releases endorphins, your body’s natural mood
lifters. Being active also improves overall physical well-being.
Note: Endorphins and dopamine can also be released when engaged
in pleasurable activities like gardening, listening to music, reading, pursuing
a hobby, etc.
Read about exercises for
multiple sclerosis here.
● Stay away from stressful situations and
triggers: Identifying your sources of stress can help you minimise them too.
Delegate tasks, set realistic goals, and say NO whenever necessary. Declutter
your desk, break tasks down into smaller and more manageable steps, keep a
planner - stay organized. Do not stretch yourself and stress yourself.
● Maintain a routine: Structure and
predictability, especially when it comes to your daily life, provides a sense
of stability and control. Stick to your regular routine as much as you can.
● Avoid stimulants: Caffeine, alcohol, and
nicotine can seriously exacerbate your anxiety. Choose herbal teas, hydrating
beverages like coconut water, lemonade, etc.
● Stay positive: Focus less on the
limitations and challenges that your condition has brought into your life.
Instead try and practice gratitude, as well as focus on the positive aspects of
your life, no matter how small. We recommend keeping a gratitude journal or
simply reflecting on the little things you’ve accomplished at the end of every
day. This can help shift your perspective.
● Prioritize self-care: Taking care of your
physical well-being can have a positive impact on your mental health. Make sure
you get adequate sleep, eat balanced meals, exercise regularly, and practice
relaxation techniques.
● Limit Isolation: Although social
interactions may be challenging at times, avoid isolating yourself as much as
possible. Reach out to your loved ones every now and then. Try to attend social
events and gatherings.
● Seek professional help: If your anxiety is
coming in the way of you performing simple everyday tasks, we urge you to seek
help! Plexus offers
cognitive-behavioral therapy through which we teach you coping skills to manage your
anxiety and/or depression effectively.
Remember, you are not
alone. An MS diagnosis, or even a diagnosis of depression or anxiety, doesn’t
mean it is the end of the road. Think of it as a detour. There’s a lot for you
to experience and enjoy even on this new route.
If you wish to know about Plexus’ MS Rehabilitation
programme,
or about our CBT program, please reach out to Team Plexus today.
WhatsApp +91 89048 42087
Call +91 78159 64668 (Hyderabad) | +91 82299 99888 (Bangalore)
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