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A MyMSTeam Member asked a question 💭
Saginaw, MI

At work, I got so upset I had to leave a meeting. I thought afterwards, what the hell was that. I was so upset. What upset me made me want to quit. This had nothing to do with whom I work and not something the workplace was doing. I read that MS can affect emotions and to keep a list of triggers so this is what I'm going to do and talk to my doctor about medication. But it was just weird and depressing. Is this reaction something rare or is it going to get worse?

May 24
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MyMSTeam

What happened to you is actually more common with MS than many people realize — so you're definitely not alone in this. MS can damage the parts of the brain that regulate emotions, which can cause intense, sometimes confusing emotional reactions that feel completely out of proportion to the situation.

A MyMSTeam member Show Full Answer

What happened to you is actually more common with MS than many people realize — so you're definitely not alone in this. MS can damage the parts of the brain that regulate emotions, which can cause intense, sometimes confusing emotional reactions that feel completely out of proportion to the situation.

A MyMSTeam member once asked, "How are you supposed to control your mood swings when you can't even figure out why they keep changing?" — which sounds a lot like what you experienced. Emotional changes in MS can show up in several ways:

- Mood swings — sudden, intense emotions like sadness, irritability, or feeling overwhelmed
- Depression — affects nearly 50% of people with MS
- Anxiety — occurs in around 36% of people with MS
- Sensory overload — can trigger agitation and emotional outbursts

The good news is that these reactions aren't necessarily a sign things will keep getting worse. They can be managed. Tracking your triggers is a really smart move. Combining that with an honest conversation with your doctor about medication and possibly therapy can make a big difference. One MyMSTeam member described seeing a psychologist as "life-changing" — they worked through emotional changes, coping strategies, and mindfulness together.

You're already taking the right steps. 💙

May 24
A MyMSTeam Member

MS changes your whole life...it's frustrating cause u have to findbdufferent ways to do the same thing s.. I'm emotiojal anyway...each day is different

May 25
A MyMSTeam Member

Yes my main thing is depression, the way life has turned out with MS so frustrating especially when you live by yourself. Where my back is such in bad shape I when to see a Psychiatrist and set in the car waiting for a hour and a half. I gave up on it, so I went home and by time I got there. They called me after I got home. So I give up going to one after that.
Believe it or not where I set in the car that length of time, my legs where so cold they felt like they were in a Morgue, like a dead person at a funeral. So yes many brake downs & Heartaches

May 25
A MyMSTeam Member

It happens I spent about 45 minutes writing out my husband's list of meds. That long because I needed it to be legible. He gave it to the PA to put in his file. I was so upset. We kind of joke about it now. Now I have noticed times that I just feel like crying and I've never been a crier.

May 25
A MyMSTeam Member

Oh my goodness, my mood swings lately! My husband believes it’s part of the grieving stages. Everywhere new symptom starts the stages over: denial, bargaining, anger, depression, acceptance. Yes, I have had a few breakdowns in the last few weeks. My family tip-toes around me. And then I just feel worse.

May 25

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