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Navigating the Mental Health Challenges of Multiple Sclerosis

Updated: Aug 15, 2024


Living with a chronic illness like Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is a journey that comes with challenges that extend beyond the physical symptoms that are often visible to the outside world. Among the countless invisible hurdles faced by people living with MS, the impact on mental health can be significant and is often underestimated. As someone who has grappled with these challenges firsthand since 2016, I want to celebrate Disability Pride Month this July by highlighting the intricate relationship between MS and mental wellbeing.


What is Multiple Sclerosis?


Before I get to that though, let me explain what MS is for those who are unfamiliar.  Multiple sclerosis is persistent disease that affects the brain and spinal cord. The body's immune system attacks healthy cells of organs and tissues by mistake, damaging the fatty insulation that protects nerves. This autoimmune attack on the myelin inhibits the brain's ability to communicate properly with the rest of the body, leading to a range of symptoms including but not limited to:


  • Blurred or double vision, blindness

  • Pain and loss of vision

  • Mobility issues, poor coordination, trouble walking

  • Numbness, prickling, or pins and needles

  • Muscle weakness in the arms and legs, muscle spasms

  • Problems with speech and bladder control

  • Fatigue

  • Memory difficulties


Each person's experience with MS is different, and the symptoms may change from day to day and year to year. Studies show that MS can affect women of color differently and that African American women, in particular, and Hispanic women as well, may experience more severe disease progression and greater disability. Socioeconomic factors, access to healthcare, and disparities in diagnosis and treatment can also influence the commonness and effects of MS among women of color.


Living with Multiple Sclerosis


Living with MS has been akin to riding a rollercoaster of emotions that never seems to come to a complete stop. There is a constant undercurrent of uncertainty about the condition, and its unpredictable nature often weighs heavily on my mind. The year I spent not being able to walk without assistance was traumatic, as I had never envisioned having to live without the use of my faculties. While in remission, I try to accomplish as much as I can while I can, but anxiety creeps in and casts a shadow over even the brightest moments. The fear of not knowing what to expect from day to day eats away at the security of the planner in me.


And it's not just fear that clouds the mind; feelings of isolation and loneliness sometimes accompany the journey with MS. The physical limitations imposed by MS (having to conserve or ration out energy) leads me to withdraw socially, making it challenging to maintain connections with friends and family. Invitations to do things decrease as the decline to invitations for various, random, and often unexplained reasons increase.


MS and Mental Health


The impact of MS on mental health extends beyond emotional fluctuations. Studies have shown that people living with MS are at a higher risk of developing depression and anxiety disorders compared to the general population. The constant battle against the physical symptoms of MS is draining, and often leaves me feeling exhausted and overwhelmed.


Similarly, the cognitive symptoms associated with MS, such as memory problems and difficulty concentrating, can further exacerbate mental health challenges. It's more than just walking into a room and forgetting why you came. Simple tasks that were once second nature suddenly become laborious, leading to frustration and a sense of inadequacy.


Navigating Turbulent Waters


Despite the storm of emotions and challenges that come with MS, I have found ways to navigate these turbulent waters and safeguard my mental well-being. If I am honest, my memory issues are a part of why I have started writing more, so that the wealth of thoughts, ideas and information I have don't get lost inside my head. I also keep lists to help me stay on track.


Restructuring my life to prioritize my needs and minimize stress has helped tremendously. Practicing mindfulness and relaxation techniques has allowed me find moments of peace amidst the chaos. Talking to my daughter and select friends about my challenges and day to day shenanigans have proven therapeutic; there's something about knowing that someone else knows, even if they can't do anything about it, that makes the load feel lighter.


Final Thoughts


The impact of Multiple Sclerosis is undeniable, but resilience lies at the heart of this journey. By acknowledging the challenges, seeking support, and embracing moments of joy and connection, I have learned, while continuing to learn, to navigate the highs and lows that come with living with an autoimmune condition. My hope is that by offering a blend of personal experience, research insights, and practical strategies, this blog post sheds light on the often overlooked intersection between Multiple Sclerosis and mental health.





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About The Author


Carlita L. Coley is a North Carolina native with Virginia roots. A Licensed Professional Counselor by day and a writer during all other times, she enjoys writing about the human experience and for educational purposes. Carlita currently writes blogs for Lita's Lens, Mental Health Matters, and Pet-Peutics.

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