How MS can Impact People Socially and Psychosocially

Types of Effects MS Can Cause

There are many types of emotions caused by multiple sclerosis. A few of the most common are:

• Anxiety: MS can cause anxiety for many different reasons depending on the patient’s situation, including anxiousness around financial impact, occupational changes or inability to work, changes in family relationships, and ambiguity of what lies ahead.
• Depression: It’s common for people with MS to struggle with motivation, enjoying socialization, feeling worthless, or feeling hopeless. According to WebMD, nearly half of people who have MS experience depression or sadness. These feelings can be caused due to several different reasons. 
  • The fear of canceling plans due to not feeling well that day can cause people not to want to make plans. 
  • Some friends may not understand some of the symptoms and changes in a person’s condition.
  • Increased activity or stimulation may exaggerate symptoms.
  • Difficulties with speech may cause self-consciousness in conversations for people with MS.
• Grief: Another common symptom is grief, this can be onset for many different reasons as well. Some examples include, a person not achieving the goals they set, or losses including the loss of mobility, a relationship or friendship, or plans for the future. 
• Anger: While dealing with many chronic illnesses, anger is a common symptom. Like other symptoms, anger can be caused for several different reasons when managing multiple sclerosis.

Strategies for Coping with Anxiety and Mood Changes

Now that we understand the basic emotional effects of multiple sclerosis, it’s important to review basic strategies to cope with anxiety and mood changes of the chronic illness. Self-care is one of the most beneficial things that can be done when managing multiple sclerosis.

• Emotionally: Focus on positive thoughts. This is a science-based approach not just a flippant comment. MS is an autoimmune disease and studies show that negative emotions can weaken your immune system. Try smiling more, practice reframing, and build resiliency to help you focus on a more positive outlook.
• Physical: Ensure you are getting plenty of rest, eat a well-balanced diet, increase movement as best you can, and drink plenty of water.
• Spiritual: Meditating, praying and listening to music can be healing and mood-boosting.
• Mental: Setting attainable and realistic goals, prioritizing learning and trying new things can help keep you focused on the positives.
• Don’t Isolate Yourself: Spending time with friends and family is a great way to stay engaged. Try scheduling time and be proactive about plans to keep from isolation. 
• Gratitude Journals: Journaling helps people identify progress and good things that are happening to them while reducing focus on negative emotions. This type of journal focuses on what a person can do instead of what they cannot do. Here is a sample prompt to get you started: Was there any lesson learned or character strength that emerged as a result of the diagnosis? What did you learn about yourself?
• Grounding: This technique is useful for anxiety as it helps control symptoms by turning attention away from thoughts, memories, or worries and focusing on the present moment. Here are a few grounding exercises to try: think of as many things as you can in one category (fruits, countries, song titles, etc), carry some coins in your pocket and play with them or count them, or count backward by 7’s or spell your name backward
• Breathing Techniques: Paced breathing can positively influence brain fog, difficulty concentrating, memory, irritability, sadness, depression, anxiety, sleep troubles, and more. This technique involved breathing around 4-6 breaths per minute. Simple inhale for 5 seconds (a normal-sized breath, nothing huge) and then gently exhale for 5 seconds out of your nose.
• Ask for Help: If more help is needed outside of family and friends there are many support options available. The National MS Society has a phone number and live chat option for people with MS to utilize at any time. Other resources include local support groups, counselors, and your medical team.

When managing the effects of multiple sclerosis it’s important to consider both the physical, social, and psychosocial challenges that MS patients face. Many people with MS find it helpful to manage the emotional effects through counseling. Counseling can teach coping strategies, provide emotional support, and help patients navigate managing their symptoms through various resources.

Manage Multiple Sclerosis at Neuroscience Group

The emotional effects of multiple sclerosis are not to be taken lightly. There are many resources available to people with multiple sclerosis to help manage these symptoms so they can live a happy and fulfilling life. Neuroscience Group is a leading provider of multiple sclerosis care. Our dedicated team of healthcare professionals specializes in MS diagnosis and support and is equipped to provide leading care through each patient’s MS journey. To learn more about us or speak with a provider, contact us.