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MS and Your Emotions

Summary & Participants

People who are recently diagnosed with multiple sclerosis will experience a wide range of emotions associated with the disease. Learn how others have dealt with their MS diagnosis.

Medically Reviewed On: April 28, 2008

Webcast Transcript

JOHN SINNER: Hi. I’m John Sinner. I was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in 1995. Like many people, I’ve experienced a variety of emotions following my diagnosis and from living day to day with MS. I’m here today to share my experiences, and you’ll also hear from experts about emotional issues and MS. Here’s Dr. Barbara Giesser.

BARBARA GIESSER, MD: I think most people are probably a little bit afraid when they receive the diagnosis. I think a lot of them go into denial. “This can’t be happening to me. I’m always very healthy.” They may be very angry. “Why, why did this happen to me?” They may start to feel guilty. “Oh, my goodness, what did I do to bring this on?”

JOHN SINNER: While I’m doing well now, after my diagnosis I experienced a great deal of anxiety and disbelief as I spiraled into a deep depression. Not only was I reacting to the diagnosis itself, but I was also experiencing physical challenges like temporarily losing my vision, trouble walking, numbness and tingling, heat sensitivity and I was often fatigued. Depression can be common for people with MS, but experts say that with proper diagnosis and treatment, it doesn’t have to be a necessary part of life.

MARY-FRANCES O'CONNOR, PhD: Depression is very common in MS, but that doesn’t mean that it’s a normal part of life, and it has a dramatic impact on your quality of life. So it’s very important to get prompt diagnosis and to get good assessment.

JOHN SINNER: Diagnosing and treating many emotional issues should be handled by mental health professionals.

MARY-FRANCES O'CONNOR, PhD: Therapists come in a variety of disciplines; psychiatrist, social worker, psychologist, a person who knows something about MS in particular and the course of the illness and the common challenges that it poses.

JOHN SINNER: I was fearful of what my future might hold with MS. I knew my best option was to take medications that could slow the progression of the disease, but initially I was anxious and hesitant. I overcame these initial fears, and now my injection has become part of my nightly ritual, just like brushing my teeth. For some, therapy can help to conquer these kinds of fears.

MARY-FRANCES O'CONNOR, PhD: Good treatment is available for that type of anxiety in terms of cognitive behavioral therapy for understanding the phobia or, in this case, specifically dealing with anxiety about medication in general.

JOHN SINNER: Counseling and medications helped me make a positive change in my outlook on life. There are also coping strategies that may help others.

MARY-FRANCES O'CONNOR, PhD: Antidepressant medication, that can be done in addition with talk therapy, and that talk therapy might be a matter of supportive therapy. It might be a matter of understanding some of the patterns that are affecting you and even your family. Exercise, which is very important for maintaining good mental health as well as the physical health, stress reduction techniques, like yoga or meditation. Many people find that to be very helpful. And finally, I think the support of family and friends is something that can have a big impact on positive well-being,

JOHN SINNER: Even if you’re not working directly with health care professionals, there are other ways to educate yourself and places to find support.

BARBARA GIESSER, MD: People with multiple sclerosis have options. They have more options now than they’ve ever had in the 400-odd-year recorded history of this disease. There’s options for treatment. There’s options for living better. There’s resources for information.

MARY-FRANCES O'CONNOR, PhD: Online support groups exist, and can get you connected with live support groups by finding out about them online. The National MS Society has a wonderful website that covers a whole variety of educational materials, support, where to go for your local chapter to get in-person support. And that’s something I would highly recommend.

JOHN SINNER: With proper treatment and support, the emotional issues associated with MS can be managed. Although I know I will experience more emotional challenges over the course of living with MS, I’ve come a long way from those early, terrible days, and I’m proud to say that today I am living with MS without the depression and fears that once consumed me when I was first diagnosed. It is possible. It is real. Your life can move forward. Mine is.