10 Ways to Treat Anxiety Related to MS
Most anxiety is not caused by medical problems. Anxiety is a mental health disease, and it's created through a combination of life experiences, coping ability, and genetics. But in some cases, anxiety can be caused by something physically wrong, and one example of such an issue is multiple sclerosis. Multiple sclerosis, or MS, is a terrifying disease. While generally rare (1 in every 1,000 women, and 1 in every 3,000 men), the illness can cause a host of physical problems, and unfortunately anxiety is one of them.
How MS Causes Anxiety
Multiple sclerosis can cause anxiety within the brain itself. But the actual reason that MS tends to cause anxiety is simply because the disease is very scary. It's not the fact that MS affects your brain that leads to anxiety. Many of those with MS have frightening symptoms and progressively worse MS. That's something very important to keep in mind. Developing anxiety is normal with MS simply because MS is a frightening disease. Anxiety is a response to danger, and MS makes that anxiety warranted, which makes it harder to control. Here is what should help!
1. Speak to your doctor about MS complications
MS can cause a wide range of physical, cognitive, and emotional effects, any of which can contribute to anxiety and depression. In fact, some research has shown that people affected by bowel, bladder, speaking, or swallowing problems related to MS are two to three times more likely to think about suicide. But often, these complications can be improved with medication or rehabilitation therapies. If you’re experiencing troubling symptoms, ask your doctor about possible treatments.
2. Reach out
Communication is crucial in treating emotional problems in MS. Tell your family, friends and doctor about your feelings. Informing your doctor will help you be diagnosed and receive treatment. Family and friends are better able to help you if they always know what you're going through.
3. Exercise
Some types of exercises such as tai chi and yoga, can lower stress, help you relax, and increase your energy, balance, and flexibility. As with any fitness program, check with your doctor before you start.
4. Seek treatment
Professional counseling and support groups can also be helpful in dealing with the anxiety and distress that may accompany MS. Your doctor can put you in touch with helpful resources. Many people find that relaxation or mind-body exercises — such as deep breathing, meditation, progressive muscle relaxation, yoga or tai chi — can significantly reduce anxiety and bring on feelings of calm.
5. Diet
It’s important for people with MS to eat the right amounts of nutritious foods. Ask your doctor what kind of diet is right for you.
6. Find a professional you can talk to
Having a doctor, MS nurse, or therapist you trust and can talk to can be reassuring when you’re anxious. For example, patients know they can call a therapist whenever they feel overwhelmed and need to talk. He or she might just listen or help them work out a plan to cope with the problems they’re facing.
7. Massage
Many people with MS get regular massage therapy to help them relax and reduce stress and depression. There is no evidence that massage changes the course of the disease. It’s usually safe for people with MS to have a massage, but you should tell your therapist if you have osteoporosis.
8. Try meditation
When patients in a study had the opportunity to join meditation and mindfulness thinking in MS management, they were surprised by learning techniques that have helped them cope better with their anxiety. It really helps!
9. Acupuncture
Some people report that acupuncture, a practice that places needles at specific points in the body, relieves symptoms like pain, muscle spasms, or bladder control problems.
10. Evening primrose oil (linoleic acid)
You can find linoleic acid in sunflower seeds and safflower oil. There is some evidence that taking it as a supplement may slightly improve MS symptoms.
MS can cause significant anxiety, distress anger, and frustration from the moment of its very first symptoms. The uncertainty and unpredictability associated with MS is one of its most distressing aspects. Moreover, anxiety is at least as common in MS as depression. Loss of functions and altered life circumstances caused by the disease can be significant causes of anxiety and distress. Professional counseling and support groups can be very helpful in dealing with the anxiety and distress that may accompany MS.
