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Real members of MyMSTeam have posted questions and answers that support our community guidelines, and should not be taken as medical advice. Looking for the latest medically reviewed content by doctors and experts? Visit our resource section.

How many of you have PTSD symptoms get worse once you have MS? Or at least it seems that way to me.

A MyMSTeam Member asked a question 💭
New Brockton, AL

I have trauma from when I was younger. Pretty bad trauma actually. It seems that my flash backs and bad memories bother me more ever since I have had MS. My depression with anxiety too . It is well treated with 60 mg of cymbalta. ( which works well for my nerve pain too.) But now that I stop and think about it MS makes the PTSD much worse.

August 19
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Reactions
A MyMSTeam Member

Idea is to not fight the terrors alone, and never look away from the harm they (can) bring, as that can compound at days end on you, your nerves and any 'happy place(s)' you have nettled out. Share them/it so you do not want them well up and hurt you, plus we are here to hear and help as much as we can. But always remember that cat in the corner is just a little turd so ignore him.

August 19
A MyMSTeam Member

Yes i can agree with this, i have PTSD from seemingly similar younger trauma, I have struggled with flashbacks, night sweats and just generally re living some of those painful memories day to day. I think because our body is sensitive to many things with MS that maybe it has that type of effect on trauma too? I mean im no specialist or doctor but I do wonder all the same.

August 19
MyMSTeam

It's really meaningful that you're making that connection and reflecting on how MS has affected your overall mental health. You're definitely not alone in this experience — many MyMSTeam members have shared similar feelings about their mental health worsening after their MS diagnosis.

There are real neurological reasons Show Full Answer

It's really meaningful that you're making that connection and reflecting on how MS has affected your overall mental health. You're definitely not alone in this experience — many MyMSTeam members have shared similar feelings about their mental health worsening after their MS diagnosis.

There are real neurological reasons why MS can intensify emotional struggles. MS can cause physical changes in the brain, particularly in areas that regulate mood, which can make existing mental health challenges feel heavier and harder to manage. The unpredictability of MS itself adds another layer. Not knowing what each day will bring physically can heighten anxiety and stress, which in turn can make trauma responses more intense and harder to quiet.

It's also worth knowing that after distressing MS-related events — like a bad flare or hospitalization — PTSD symptoms can spike. Living with ongoing uncertainty is its own kind of trauma.

Some things that may be worth discussing with your doctor include:

- Whether your current Cymbalta dose is still optimal for both your nerve pain and mental health needs
- Adding psychotherapy alongside medication, as the combination can be especially effective
- Checking in about whether MS disease activity or progression may be contributing to mood changes It's great that Cymbalta is working well for you — that's a real win. But bringing up this pattern you've noticed to your neurologist or mental health provider sounds like a really worthwhile conversation. You're clearly very self-aware, and that's a powerful tool in managing your health.

August 19
A MyMSTeam Member

@A MyMSTeam Member that's the exact diagnosis, my therapist thinks a light box will help a lot using it in the winter. Can't hurt to try. I really hope it works.

August 20
A MyMSTeam Member

I was diagnosed with SAD, seasonal affective disorder. It's a bunch of words meaning that the dark winter months affect you with depression. I took Prozac every year. It sounds like what you are talking about. @A MyMSTeam Member. 🥰

August 20

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