MS and Grief vs. Depression

Grief over any kind of loss is a normal and healthy process. People with MS grieve over changes caused by the disease. The grieving process is the first step to learning how to adapt to those changes in one’s life and move forward. Given the many symptoms and changes that MS can cause, a person with MS can expect the normal grieving process to ebb and flow over time. People should not suppress their grief.

Grief can sometimes be difficult to distinguish from depression. However, they differ in several ways:

·      Grief over a recent change or loss is generally time-limited and resolves on its own. Clinical depression is more persistent and unremitting; with symptoms lasting at least two weeks and sometimes up to several months.

·     A person experiencing grief may at times be able to focus on life’s activities and gain enjoyment from them, while a person who is depressed may not.

·     Although grief generally resolves on its own without treatment, counseling, self-help groups, as well an understanding and supportive environment can help. Depression requires treatment by a mental health professional.

I cry (and sometimes sob) because MS is hard. I often take an internal look, though, to make sure I’m not depressed. While I’m not happy with my diagnosis, there are times I can step away from my MS and enjoy a conversation with friends, a good meal, a movie, or a good laugh. Grief is natural. It's part of being human. But take stock; don’t be ashamed to seek help when you’re overwhelmed. This shit is hard.

MS and Anxiety

No one experiences MS the same way. But I bet most people with MS experience anxiety, at least on occasion.

Anxiety is the stream of thoughts that can’t stop, even if you tell yourself to calm down. Anxiety is being nervous for something and you have no idea why. Or you know why and it’s out of your control. Symptoms of anxiety include:

·         Frequent worry and fear the worst will happen

·         Restless energy or feeling keyed-up, on edge

·         Difficulty concentrating and your mind going blank

·         Irritability

·         Muscle tension

·         Difficulty falling and staying asleep

Though MS can cause anxiety directly through changes in the brain, the root of anxiety in most MSers is similar to those not suffering from the disease and created through a combination of life experiences, coping ability, and genetics. The disease is scary. Many of us with MS have frightening symptoms and an unknown course ahead of us. Anxiety is our minds’ response to this uncertainty and danger. For me, anxiety means I always have to have an ‘escape route.’

Getting a grip on anxiety can be difficult. Talking about it with a professional can be helpful. Acupuncture, meditation, and other relaxation techniques are good options for many people, as aremedical marijuana and other prescription drugs. There are several breathing techniques that can be useful for controlling anxiety, for example, deep breathing and the breathing techniques of yoga contribute to less anxiety and stress. I use a combination of all of these. I also embrace technology and use the Headspace App which teaches guided meditation.

Anxiety is perhaps the most taxing and under-treated psychological effect of MS, stemming from the realities of living with the disease. The trick is to learn how to improve the way you think about and react to the disease in order to prevent becoming overwhelmed. I encourage you to seek treatment for your anxiety and not to just ‘white-knuckle’ it. Positive treatment can greatly improve your quality of life.