Connect with others who understand.

Sign up Log in
Resources
About MyMSTeam
Powered By
See answer

Is MS Fatigue Taking an Emotional Toll? Take the Quiz

Medically reviewed by Amit M. Shelat, D.O.
Written by Joan Grossman
Updated on March 18, 2021

Fatigue and unexpected emotional changes are common symptoms of multiple sclerosis (MS). A chronic condition, MS can cause relapsing or progressive symptoms in the central nervous system. Both fatigue and strong emotions can be caused by inflammatory changes and lesions in the brain, as well as nerve fiber damage.

Complications of MS — like sleep disorders, medication side effects, and depression — can also cause mood swings and emotionally draining fatigue.

How Does Fatigue Cause Emotional Challenges?

Fatigue and heightened emotions can impact quality of life and take a toll on relationships with friends and loved ones. MyMSTeam members frequently discuss their experiences of fatigue and the range of emotions that come with living with a chronic illness:

  • “I am having a particularly hard time with emotions, stress, and fatigue these days. Feeling anxious and frustrated.”
  • “Feeling the fatigue a lot, and emotions are very bad. I always try to keep positive, but it's not always that easy to fight.”
  • “Frustrated with my fatigue. My emotions are all over the place.”

Sometimes the connection between fatigue and difficult emotional states seems clear. But it may not always be obvious how fatigue affects you emotionally.

Take the Quiz

This short quiz was designed to help clarify how MS fatigue affects your emotional state. This is not a clinical quiz. Although it has no diagnostic value, it may provide insight into how fatigue affects you.

If you scored 3 or 4 on any item, fatigue may be taking a toll on your emotional well-being. You may want to discuss the impact of fatigue with your neurologist or other health care provider. They can recommend ways to help manage fatigue.

Communicating With Others About Fatigue

It can be frustrating and isolating when the people around you don’t understand your MS symptoms. It may take time, patience, and different approaches before a loved one or a co-worker really grasps how MS fatigue affects you and understands the ways they can support you.

Read tips and techniques for talking about MS fatigue with family, friends, and colleagues.

Join MyMSTeam for Support

On MyMSTeam, you can join a caring community of more than 160,000 people who share their experiences with MS and the emotional challenges of fatigue. Ask questions, share tips, and find people who understand what you are going through.

How does fatigue affect your emotions? How do fatigue and emotional challenges impact your life? Comment below about your experiences or join MyMSTeam and start a new conversation today.

Updated on March 18, 2021

A MyMSTeam Member

I do not work or drive . My doctor shared that stress will result in relapse.

My question is how do you handle not working? I feel lazy😇

February 23, 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.
Privacy Policy
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.
Privacy Policy

How Do I Know If My Leg Weakness Due To My MS Or Stroke??

December 11, 2023 by A MyMSTeam Member

Is Severe Anxiety A Symptom Of MS?

August 1, 2024 by A MyMSTeam Member 2 answers
Amit M. Shelat, D.O. is a fellow of the American Academy of Neurology and the American College of Physicians. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Learn more about him here.
Joan Grossman is a freelance writer, filmmaker, and consultant based in Brooklyn, NY. Learn more about her here.

Related Articles

If you’re having relapses (flare-ups) more often, or if they leave you feeling significantly wors...

Should You Take an Advanced MS Treatment? 5 Symptoms To Look For

If you’re having relapses (flare-ups) more often, or if they leave you feeling significantly wors...
Living with multiple sclerosis (MS) can be challenging, especially when it comes to managing symp...

Symptoms of Multiple Sclerosis

Living with multiple sclerosis (MS) can be challenging, especially when it comes to managing symp...
What Is Lymphdema? | Causes of Swelling | Treatment OptionsAnyone can experience lymphedema — a b...

Multiple Sclerosis and Lymphedema: Managing Swelling in the Feet and Ankles

What Is Lymphdema? | Causes of Swelling | Treatment OptionsAnyone can experience lymphedema — a b...
Below the surface, living with multiple sclerosis (MS) can mean days spent in bed, missed appoint...

MS: What People Don’t See (Interactive Infographic)

Below the surface, living with multiple sclerosis (MS) can mean days spent in bed, missed appoint...
Receiving a multiple sclerosis (MS) diagnosis often means navigating a host of symptoms, both fam...

5 Uncommon Symptoms of Relapsing MS

Receiving a multiple sclerosis (MS) diagnosis often means navigating a host of symptoms, both fam...
People who live with multiple sclerosis (MS) may experience a variety of symptoms. These can rang...

Top 5 Most Common MS Symptoms Reported by MyMSTeam Members

People who live with multiple sclerosis (MS) may experience a variety of symptoms. These can rang...

Recent Articles

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved Ocrevus Zunovo (ocrelizumab and hyaluro...

FDA Approves 10-Minute Injectable Version of Ocrevus

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved Ocrevus Zunovo (ocrelizumab and hyaluro...
A diagnosis of multiple sclerosis (MS) may be unexpected and overwhelming — but it can also bring...

What Is Multiple Sclerosis? An Overview

A diagnosis of multiple sclerosis (MS) may be unexpected and overwhelming — but it can also bring...
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a progressive disease of the central nervous system that is well known...

6 Signs of Cognitive Issues in MS

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a progressive disease of the central nervous system that is well known...
Some people with primary progressive multiple sclerosis (PPMS) and secondary progressive MS (SPMS...

High-Dose Biotin for Progressive MS: Can It Help?

Some people with primary progressive multiple sclerosis (PPMS) and secondary progressive MS (SPMS...
Managing multiple sclerosis (MS) can be challenging, even with a variety of treatment options ava...

Low-Dose Naltrexone for MS: Side Effects, Interactions, and More

Managing multiple sclerosis (MS) can be challenging, even with a variety of treatment options ava...
Living with multiple sclerosis (MS) can bring unique challenges, and walking difficulties are a c...

What Walking With MS Gait Looks Like

Living with multiple sclerosis (MS) can bring unique challenges, and walking difficulties are a c...

Thank you for subscribing!

Become a member to get even more: