 |
Mind and Emotions
Emotional Aspects of MS
In addition to its physical symptoms, MS can have a profound effect on one's emotions. People can have painful feelings about the disease as well as mood changes caused by the disease. Education, support, a healthy lifestyle, and medications and professional help when necessary, can make all the difference.
Read more
Common Emotional Reactions
Regardless of the kind of MS a person develops, emotional reactions are likely to be similar. Some emotions are... |
| |
- Fear
- Denial
- Anger
- Grieving
- Depression
- Guilt
|
|
James LaRocca—
"I realize now that you need to use your talents or hobbies to work through the grief process."
Read more | |
| |
|
| |
| |
 |
 |
| |
People with MS should be aware that depression is common during the course of the disease.
Depression: An overview |
| |
|
| |
Depression and MS
Depression: My Story
"The combination of medication and counseling helped me regain some control in my life and begin accepting my new reality." |
|
|
| |
|
|
|
| |
Depression does not indicate weak character and it should not be considered something shameful that needs to be hidden. |
| |
 | |
| |
|
Special Emotional Stress of MS
In addition to the emotional stresses that apply to anyone with a chronic illness, there are some characteristics of MS that create special emotional burdens. They include... |
| |
|
|
| |
|
Emotions and Your Family
The person with MS is not the only person in the family and circle of friends who must adjust to a changed situation.
Family therapy can provide useful strategies for understanding and coping with emotional responses. |
| |
|
What You Can Do
Here are some points that contribute to successful living with MS... |
| |
|
|
|
|
|
Your chapter of the National MS Society can provide a wide variety of resources to assist you in dealing with the emotional aspects of MS. To connect with your chapter call 1-800-344-4867. | |
 |
|
Is It Your Medication?
Various medications used to treat MS—such as steroids—can have significant effects on the emotions. |
 |
 |
Webcasts
(transcripts available) |
MS Learn Online presents
Managing Your Symptoms
Laughing and Crying Uncontrollably
| |
|
|
Mood Changes that Can Occur in MS
Emotional lability— Emotions expressed in an exaggerated manner. A person may laugh or cry more easily than before. A sad comment may cause tears. A joke may induce uncontrolled laughter.
Pseudobulbar Affect (PBA) [Uncontrollable laughing and/or crying]—Severe form of emotional lability with uncontrollable episodes of laughing and/or crying that are unpredictable with little or no relationship to actual events or the individual’s actual feelings.
Medications and counseling can be effective for severe mood swings. Read more |
|
There is Help
The local chapter of the National MS Society can provide a variety of resources to assist people in dealing with the emotional aspects of MS, including support groups, workshops, and other programs geared to maintaining the quality of life of persons with MS.
Chapters are also excellent sources of referral to community resources.
Contact your chapter at 1-800-344-4867. | |
