You know I really didn't realize until I became a member here how many folks actually do have depression and anxiety with MS... This kind of information is good to know I hate folks have this but it feels good we aren't alone and these symptoms do actually affect so many with MS That goes to show us We aren't alone with all the awful symptoms of MS! Thanks to everyone who has shared their story. I know they all have helped me Thanks again

Much Love
Denese

Almost all anxiety reducing meds come with the danger of addiction, Ativan in particular. In the cold light of reality....why should one care if addiction is the result of a med that eases the anxiety and anxiety-induced symptoms of MS? Most of us inject or ingest an MS drug we know little or nothing about in regard to short or long term consequences. Relief and the hope for life as normal as possible is well worth addiction in my case. If a drug grants the easing of muscle tension/spasms and a quieter mind.....sign me up, please.

brandy in a chamomile tea in the evening before I go to bed, during the day I try and keep my mind occupied with either a bit of housework, reading, or being outside in nature, I take anti-depressants and haven't felt as anxious since taking them but I do 'over think' a lot, it may be worth seeing your GP re this, other things you could try are meditation, yoga, and basically giving yourself time to do things at your own pace. I know it can be really crippling coping with anxiety as well as MS, I am trying to simplify my life as much as I can

Thank heavens that today I feel almost normal! :) Thank all of you for your input and suggestions! I see my doctor tomorrow to address this issue.

I do have a bit to say upon the severity of what happened. I know a bit about mental disorders. I will admit that I don't know how the DSM classifies the severity of a diagnosis, but here are things I know mostly from much observation and some previous work I've done.

I think the biggest factor when people don't realize it is when they have no awareness what normal should be. For some, they simply don't care what normal is. People who are narcissistic or have borderline personalities often fall in this category. They rarely ever realize that they take things way beyond acceptable behavior. Many function just fine. Quite a few are never diagnosed because they "know" they are fine and can put up an act to portray that picture.

A disorder like obsessive-compulsive disorder can fall here as well, but often the sufferer realizes at some point they have taken it beyond what is logical. They know they aren't right, but they try to hide it as much as possible. This, I think, is the category most people fall into with a variety of issues. They know something is wrong, but don't want to admit it - usually out of fear of reprisal.

When a child grows up with some social dysfunction, they often know they don't act like others. In these cases, most don't even know how to function in a normal manner. Some can't even comprehend what you or I would consider a simple concept, like personal space.

Then there are people who have been normal all their lives and have noticed a change in their response to stimuli. This is where I'm falling. I know what it feels like not to be anxious and what this was totally disabled my ability to do anything remotely normal. I also know that barely getting out of bed for two days, not showering or brushing my teeth, barely eating or drinking due to nausea from anxiety is really bad. But I couldn't do anything about it. Let me tell you, that is not a fun place to be! I was two steps away from going to the ER, but the thought of leaving my bed kept me from doing anything. Yes, it was that bad.

My point with all this is the degree of severity does not necessarily coincide with the knowledge that something is wrong or even a person's willingness for help or advice. :)

I took Lorazepam for my anxiety. It helped a great deal after I experienced 2 seizures. I am off it now. Don't need it anymore. Everyone's anxiety is different @A MyMSTeam Member and someone writing their anxiety problems down on a forum is not necessarily "not that bad off" if she can type and relate her feelings of anxiety.. At least she found a way to get relief, get help and feel safe. Isn't that what we are all here for?