Want to beat depression in multiple sclerosis (MS)?
Learn how!

Depression will affect around 50% of us with multiple sclerosis (MS) at some point in our lives. Studies say that approximately 14% of us MSers, are depressed at any given time.

It is not my intention to question the statistics. It’s just that I don’t believe that you and I have to be part of them.

Let’s be clear about it. It's nothing to be embarrassed or ashamed of.

YOU MUST REMEMBER THIS

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is caused by complex physical, chemical, and emotional processes and connections that not even doctors or researchers fully comprehend. The good news is that depression is treatable in the hands of the right doctor.

I really have to consider myself very fortunate because my neurologist, Dr. A. Lacayo, is also a psychiatrist. I don’t know how common that is. Anyhow, it has been a blessing for me and my family.

The best way to find a psychiatrist who has experience with multiple sclerosis (MS) is to ask your neurologist or the physician who is taking care of your multiple sclerosis (MS) for a referral.

You can also contact the main office or your local chapter of The National MS Society or call 1-800-FIGHTMS (344-4867) for the names of doctors experienced with both aspects of the illness in your area.

Very often depression, in folks with multiple sclerosis (MS), is missed by doctors. They focus on examining only the neurological aspects of the illness and neglect to talk about feelings of sadness, anxiety or loss of interest in previously favorite things and hobbies.

A lot of people are reluctant to look for help, perhaps because they are embarrassed or think that they should be able to “get over it” themselves. I know we guys tend to think like that. Don’t you make that mistake!

It is better to grab the bull by the horns and start learning as much as you can about it and start working on getting out of it and you’ll start to get your life back. I guarantee it.

LET'S LOOK AT WHAT IT IS?

The definition based on the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, which normally is the diagnostic guidebook used by the American Psychiatric Association, states that you are suffering from depression if you meet the following criteria:

You must have had, clearly visible changes in your normal every day behavior, as a result of at least 5 of the following symptoms

The changes must be evident to you and others for at least 2 weeks.

1. Profound feeling of sadness :

   A deep feeling of sadness takes over you. Crying for no apparent reason is common sign of this symptom.

2. Lack of interest

   You no longer find pleasure in doing a lot of the things you used to enjoy doing before. Nothing seems to interest you anymore.

3. Changes in your Appetite:

   You start to either eat less than normal or eat more. This will show on a weight loss or gain of about 5% every month.

4. Sleeping Problems You are either having trouble getting to fall sleep or you start sleeping to much (wakening up very late every day).
5. Changes in behavior:

   You feel overexcited and very edgy or so down that your friends and family may begin to show concern.

6. Fatigue:

   You feel drained all of the time as if something or someone took away all your energy.

7. Feelings of being guilty:

   You feel responsible and blame yourself for what is happening to you or feel guilty for things you might or might not have done in the past.

8. Cognition Problems: You find it difficult to concentrate, to put your thoughts in order (trying to put all your ducks in a row, sort of speak) or make normal daily decisions.

9. Thoughts about suicide:

   You start to think about killing yourself to put an end to your problems and start having thoughts that being dead is best for all.

Please remember also that suffering from fatigue and experiencing Cognition problems are also common symptoms of the disease itself. You might want to be on the lookout for any of the other probable symptoms and discuss them with your doctor. He or She will be able to identify if what you are feeling is one of the many MS symptoms or not.

1. Experience visible changes in your regular habits as the result of the symptoms you are facing.
2. The symptoms start to have a negative impact on your relationships and your job.
3. Alcohol, drugs, side effects of medications you are taking or other health problems are not the cause.

This can get somewhat complicated because multiple sclerosis (MS) causes depression in most patients plus, several of the therapies currently being used to treat multiple sclerosis (MS) list it as one of the possible side effects.

This fact alone should be reason enough for you to seek the right doctor. A doctor trained in the various treatments available today for multiple sclerosis (MS) patients suffering from depression and anxiety

You must realize that:

• What you are feeling is not the normal depressive reaction to losing someone or having a close death. You can Click here to review the stages of acceptance that one must face when dealing with a circumstances involving a tragic news.

You can also experience:

1. Inexplicable new aches and pains.
2. Frequent headaches.


3. Short and bad temper.
4. Digestive and Stomachache problems.
5. Decreased sex drive

WHAT IS THE CAUSE?

There are a number of things that cause depression in multiple sclerosis (MS). They are classified into two categories:

SITUATIONAL OR REACTIVE DEPRESSION

It’s fairly common and could start right after you have been told you have multiple sclerosis (MS).

When new symptoms limiting your capacity to do things you like to do show up or they cause you pain and discomfort.

The reactions of your family and/or your friends may have a direct effect on you.

The anxiety of an uncertain future and fear of the unknown.

ORGANIC DEPRESSION

The demyelination of certain areas on the brain. Scientists have not been able to show the location of these areas yet.

You also should look up your family history because the depression may have nothing to do with having multiple sclerosis (MS).

Studies estimate that approximately 15% of the general population will experience a depressive period during their lives.

Medical Side Effect

It may also appear as the result of side effects to certain drugs used to treat multiple sclerosis (MS), such as the interferon family ( Avonex, Betaseron or Rebif). Steroids, which cause periods of hyperactivity and euphoria, are usually followed by a "comedown" period that can easily trigger depression.

HOW BAD CAN IT GET?

This is a serious matter. Left untreated, it can lead to suicide.

Recent studies clearly show that people with multiple sclerosis (MS) are between 2 and 7.5 times as likely to commit suicide compared to the general public.

Do not neglect this problem. It can easily sneak up and really screw things up for you and yours! If not for yourself, please talk to your doctor about this for your family’s sake. There are good meds. out there to correctly treat depression in MS.

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