Hi there, can you give any details as to how you could be experiencing dementia?
October 3
Living with primary progressive MS since 2015 is a real journey, and dealing with both mental anguish and fatigue at the same time is genuinely tough. These two symptoms often feed into each other, making daily life feel overwhelming. You're not alone in this.
It's really important to speak with your neurologist about what Show Full Answer
Living with primary progressive MS since 2015 is a real journey, and dealing with both mental anguish and fatigue at the same time is genuinely tough. These two symptoms often feed into each other, making daily life feel overwhelming. You're not alone in this.
It's really important to speak with your neurologist about what you're experiencing. Cognitive changes and fatigue in MS can have different underlying causes, and a full assessment can help identify the right strategies for you specifically. Here are some approaches that may help manage both fatigue and emotional distress:
- Keep a fatigue journal — Track your sleep, daily activities, and energy levels over two weeks to spot patterns and triggers
- Practice energy dosing — Schedule demanding tasks during your highest-energy times of day, and avoid stacking tiring activities together
- Break tasks into smaller steps — Tackling one thing at a time conserves energy and reduces overwhelm
- Consider seeing a psychotherapist — One who specializes in neurological conditions can help with the emotional weight of MS
- Ask for an occupational therapy referral — They can teach practical techniques for managing daily tasks more comfortably
- Talk to your doctor about supplements — Some MyMSTeam members find certain vitamins helpful, but always check first due to potential medication interactions
One important reminder: fatigue caused by MS is not laziness, and it's not your fault. As one MS specialist put it, there should be absolutely no guilt attached to managing this symptom. Many MyMSTeam members describe the emotional toll of fatigue as deeply frustrating, especially when others can't see what they're going through. One MyMSTeam member shared that their brain feels like it "can't function properly — like being drugged." That kind of experience is real and valid.
Connecting with others who truly understand can make a meaningful difference in managing the mental anguish that comes alongside physical exhaustion.
October 3
Join
Your Privacy Choices
