The main problem I have is with mobility and I really do struggle to walk very far at all. As a bit of a fitness fanatic that was the hardest thing. I used to do a lot of walking and cycling and go to the gym every day"
It makes me scared to go to places in case I'm going to wet myself in public," she says. "You have the worry that because you don't look disabled and you need to use a disabled toilet, people are judging you
What is MS?
MS is a condition that affects the brain and spinal cord. In multiple sclerosis, the coating that protects the nerves becomes damaged which causes a wide range of symptoms.
It's what is known as an autoimmune disorder, in which your own immune system turns on part of your body. Nobody knows exactly what causes the condition, but researchers believe it is a combination of different factors, including your genetic makeup and triggers in the environment. Up to three times as many women as men are affected by MS.
FEATURES
How MS can affect mental health
More than 150,000 people in the UK are estimated to have multiple sclerosis, a lifelong condition which impacts the central nervous system, causing problems with mobility, vision, coordination and sensation. Although the symptoms are physical - such as fatigue, difficulty walking, blurred vision and problems with thinking, learning and planning - MS can have a serious impact on mental health too.
The main problem I have is with mobility and I really do struggle to walk very far at all. As a bit of a fitness fanatic that was the hardest thing. I used to do a lot of walking and cycling and go to the gym every day.
Also struggles with bladder control, a symptom of MS, which can cause us anxiety.
What is MS?
MS is a condition that affects the brain and spinal cord. In multiple sclerosis, the coating that protects the nerves becomes damaged which causes a wide range of symptoms.
It's what is known as an autoimmune disorder, in which your own immune system turns on part of your body. Nobody knows exactly what causes the condition, but researchers believe it is a combination of different factors, including your genetic makeup and triggers in the environment. Up to three times as many women as men are affected by MS.
The emotional effects of MS often go undiagnosed, but it is not unusual for people with the condition to experience depression, stress or anxiety.
"A variety of factors can contribute to these emotional changes, with some directly related to MS and some not. Being diagnosed itself may lead to a whole array of emotions such as grief, anxiety, guilt, fear, irritation and anger," she explains.
"Coping with MS and adapting to the changes and uncertainty it brings can also affect a person's mental health - but everyone reacts differently."
Due to the complexity of the conditions and the wide range of symptoms, MS is not easy to diagnose - so the process may be long and frustrating.
There is also no right way to feel when being diagnosed with MS. For some, it may be distressing and frightening, but others may feel numb or in shock, or feel relief at having their symptoms explained. It is common to feel grief after being diagnosed.
It can be challenging to adapt to the "living with MS" and it can also put pressure on different aspects of your life, from your finances to your relationships, which can lead to stress and anxiety. Yet with the right care and support, many people with MS lead healthy, active and long lives.
Other factors
MS-related nerve damage may also affect someone's mental health.
The brain controls every action by sending messages to different parts of the body, and different parts of the brain control different things. MS can affect the way we walk, move, see, think, and feel, and where you have nerve damage might impact what symptoms you experience.
"The frontal lobe is responsible for controlling emotions and how you express them so, regardless of your personality, if you have nerve damage in this part of the brain it could affect the way you feel and/or react to things."
This may lead someone to behave in ways that are uncharacteristic and in some cases, impact a person's mental health, she adds.
Like all drugs, medications used to manage symptoms of MS can come with side-effects which may impact mental health. "Some, such as steroids, have been known to cause temporary changes in mood or behaviour,"
There is no cure for MS, but there are a lot of ways to manage the symptoms.
Lifestyle
Keeping active can help with many MS symptoms, such as pain, as well as improving someone's quality of life and mental health. Research has shown exercising also improves our cognitive ability, benefiting memory and learning skills. Finding the right type of exercise is key, which might mean staying seated or trying gentler exercises. There are also exercise videos & sessions specifically for people with MS.
Managing stress can help improve well-being too, which might mean planning ahead, recognising triggers and trying relaxation techniques such as meditation. Self care is important too, which can mean taking time to pamper yourself or spending time doing activities you enjoy. Speaking to others about your fears or anxieties or writing them down can also help.
You must be logged in to post a comment.