Connect with others who understand.

Sign up Log in
Resources
About MyMSTeam
Powered By
See answer
MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS
NEWS

5 Ways I Handle Depression While Dealing With MS

Written by Brittany Quiroz
Posted on April 8, 2022

Although multiple sclerosis (MS) is considered to be the “snowflake” disease in that no two people with the condition are exactly alike, the magnitude of symptoms we experience can be very similar across the board. During my diagnosis period, I felt like I should have been compensated with some sort of goody bag or spa day voucher due to all of the information coming at me, and I know others with MS can relate.

I was thrown into a vortex of medical terminology I didn’t yet understand, while also being pingponged back and forth between diagnostic testing and exams. Yet, I was supposed to keep it all together as best I could. It almost felt like I was immediately being set up to fail. My body was already going through an array of symptoms and neurological reactions just because my immune system didn’t get the “you’re supposed to fight the enemy, not yourself” memo.

But what about the emotional side of the coin? Depression is a major factor among people living with MS, and I feel it is one of the symptoms that people don’t discuss enough. I’ve struggled with depression since my diagnosis in 2019. Once I add in the factor of being a people pleaser, I have a whole new level of disaster on my hands. The two definitely don’t mix. It’s easy to fall into a dark place where I want to curl up and stay put for a while. But knowing what the healthy approach is and comparing it to the recluse approach can make a world of difference when navigating through some nasty depression and mood changes.

I have found some success using the following five strategies when I’m facing tougher mental health days with MS.

1. Realize I’m Entitled to Out-of-Order Days

When I need a day or two (or three) to shut myself out to heal, by all means, I do it. I’ll binge-watch my favorite show on the sofa, grab my favorite snack, and turn that phone off! I can’t be there for anyone else when I’m not at my best.

2. Limit My Expectations (of Myself)

People pleasers tend to fall apart when we can’t help others. I know from personal experience. I’ve learned that when I’m having a tough day, if someone asks for advice, I can reply, “I want to do my best to help you through this, but right now, I’m under construction.”

3. Remember That No One Is Judging Me

I’ve learned to share my experience with depression with those around me. No, I don’t mean bombarding the boss before a huge meeting with a story of despair. Instead, I’m talking about opening up when the time is right and when I feel comfortable expressing myself to friends or family. I need to remind myself that people aren’t looking to judge me, and it helps me be more open with others.

4. Break That Stigma

Unfortunately, there’s still an ugly stigma attached to being upfront about mental health issues, which I’ve never understood completely. It’s just as important as physical health, yet we’ve been taught generation after generation that it’s still a “hush-hush” topic. The more we share, the more common it becomes. It feels good to take those baby steps in sharing what I’m really feeling. Chances are, the person I’m sharing with has felt the same way.

5. Maintain My Pride

It’s not easy to share something imperfect or what may seem “embarrassing” about myself, and I know many others with MS feel the same way. So if you do decide to share, be proud of yourself! That took a lot of guts!

Depression can make anyone feel alone and worthless. I know this firsthand. It can be the result of living with MS or may even be a side effect of medication. Regardless, talk to your doctor, loved ones, family members, and friends. Explore all possible solutions for therapy and treatment, and know that you’re not alone. After all, they never gave us a guide to depression in our diagnostic goody bag.

MyMSTeam columnists discuss multiple sclerosis from a specific point of view. Columnists’ articles do not reflect the opinions of MyMSTeam staff, medical experts, partners, advertisers, or sponsors. MyMSTeam content is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

Posted on April 8, 2022

A MyMSTeam Member

Terrific article but is there a script to also help

June 11, 2023
All updates must be accompanied by text or a picture.

We'd love to hear from you! Please share your name and email to post and read comments.

You'll also get the latest articles directly to your inbox.

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service.
All updates must be accompanied by text or a picture.

Subscribe now to ask your question, get answers, and stay up to date on the latest articles.

Get updates directly to your inbox.

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service.
Brittany Quiroz is a freelance writer and the creator of A Hot MS, a site built to help change the perception of what disability looks like. Learn more about her here.

Related Articles

Talking about how multiple sclerosis (MS) can affect sexual function and desire can be difficult....

Can MS Cause Hypersexuality?

Talking about how multiple sclerosis (MS) can affect sexual function and desire can be difficult....
Dani had just started a new job when she was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis.“I had to advocate...

My Advocacy Tips: Taking Care of Future Me With MS

Dani had just started a new job when she was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis.“I had to advocate...
In a recent survey, 81 percent of MyMSTeam members reported that multiple sclerosis (MS) negative...

Stress, Affording Treatment, and Quality of Life With MS: See Survey Results

In a recent survey, 81 percent of MyMSTeam members reported that multiple sclerosis (MS) negative...
YogaVista.tv and MyMSTeam have partnered to bring you these mini-lessons or "yoga snacks."

Easy Movement Videos for People With MS

YogaVista.tv and MyMSTeam have partnered to bring you these mini-lessons or "yoga snacks."
After getting her official multiple sclerosis diagnosis in 2022, Karina Llamas decided that inje...

How I Got Over My Fear of Needles To Have My Best Shot With MS

After getting her official multiple sclerosis diagnosis in 2022, Karina Llamas decided that inje...
In partnership with GoodRx

Recent Articles

Multiple sclerosis is not hereditary, but it does occur within families. Click to learn more!

Is MS Inherited From Your Mother or Father? 5 Factors That Matter (VIDEO)

Multiple sclerosis is not hereditary, but it does occur within families. Click to learn more!
Although scientists don’t fully understand what causes multiple sclerosis (MS), they believe that...

Genetic Factors in MS: HLA-DRB1 and More (VIDEO)

Although scientists don’t fully understand what causes multiple sclerosis (MS), they believe that...
Scientists have proposed different ideas about why autoimmune diseases such as multiple sclerosis...

Multiple Sclerosis in Men vs. Women: 5 Symptom Differences and More

Scientists have proposed different ideas about why autoimmune diseases such as multiple sclerosis...
Multiple sclerosis (MS) does not affect everyone at equal rates. Some people are more likely than...

Who Gets MS? Prevalence, Epidemiology, and More

Multiple sclerosis (MS) does not affect everyone at equal rates. Some people are more likely than...
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic, immune-mediated disorder that affects around 1 million peop...

How Many People Live With MS? (VIDEO)

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic, immune-mediated disorder that affects around 1 million peop...
Five disease-modifying therapies (DMTs) approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) ...

Schedules for MS Infusions: Monthly, Twice a Year, and Other Frequencies

Five disease-modifying therapies (DMTs) approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) ...
MS News

Thank you for subscribing!

Become a member to get even more: