MS and Depression: The two, unfortunately... - My MSAA Community

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MS and Depression

greaterexp profile image
14 Replies

The two, unfortunately, can go hand in hand. It appears that it is sadly often undiagnosed and untreated or under-treated. Some of us don't even recognize that we're depressed or that we can do something about it, but suffer in silence. Not only does depression affect us, but it affects our families and friends, too.

MSAA has a great page with information about depression and how you can help yourself. There are resources found in these links.

mymsaa.org/ms-information/s...

nationalmssociety.org/Sympt...

Since anxiety can often go along with depression, here is a great link for information about anxiety.

mymsaa.org/ms-information/s...

Make sure you're talking frankly with your doctor about any symptoms of depression or anxiety. Please share here what has worked well for you, too.

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greaterexp profile image
greaterexp
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14 Replies
Kenu profile image
Kenu

Great post 👍 I have been on Cymbalta for twenty three years and has worked great 👍. 🙏🐾 Ken

Jesmcd2 profile image
Jesmcd2CommunityAmbassador

Effexor is my best friend. But I still have my down days, and go through the motions. It's hard sometimes. So I will just chill with my puppers and watch horror movies! 🤣😂

🤗💕🎃

J🌠

Awesome post!!!! greaterexp

Midgey_Midge06 profile image
Midgey_Midge06

Prozac works for me and klonopin for my anxiety. Plus my puppers are good for my anxiety!

Comedies work better for me that horror movies - except for this time of year. Gotta love me some Stephen King at Halloween season! 🧛🏻‍♀️👻🎃

Jesmcd2 profile image
Jesmcd2CommunityAmbassador in reply to Midgey_Midge06

Love Stephen King movies! What's your favorite Midgey_Midge06 ?? I have to say Rose Red is my favorite movie! But my favorite book is It. Ugh that book scares my to death!!! 😂🤣😂

🤗💕🎃

J🌠

Midgey_Midge06 profile image
Midgey_Midge06 in reply to Jesmcd2

I love the book It. I like the original movie It. The new one is so not good. I love Pet Cemetery. Its kinda a toss up between that one and Graveyard Shift.

and ya - clowns freak me out!

We all float down here....

🤡

Jesmcd2 profile image
Jesmcd2CommunityAmbassador in reply to Midgey_Midge06

I haven't seen the 2nd IT really have no desire to. Midgey_Midge06 I've heard it's not that good. His books are always better if you can get past the 1st CPL chapters.

And I have never ever stepped on a grate again!! I will make ppl move there cars to let me out if I have to.😒😔😭😭

Tommyknockers is another good book! Movie is ok. 🤣😂 I used to scare the girls with sound! 🤣😂

J🌠🎃

Midgey_Midge06 profile image
Midgey_Midge06 in reply to Jesmcd2

Oooooo ya i forgot abot Tommyknockers! Good one

carolek572 profile image
carolek572CommunityAmbassador

Hey greaterexp,

My husband and my daughters keep me grounded. I am blessed. I also have 2 furbabies that keep me company. And quilting. I also use 5-HTP (5 - hydroxytryptophan) w/SRT (Slow Release Technology). This supplement helps maintain mental and emotional well-being. Comes with the usual 'These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease'. But I think that it works for me. :-D

Keep smiling,

Carole :-D

anaishunter profile image
anaishunter

good reminder to ask for help for what you need help for. It's hard to talk about depression and admit you need help.

I've been on Effexor for 14 years. I can't function without it. It shaves off the anxiety and enables me to operate and be happy in today's crazy world. And I'd much rather be on it than not. I'd rather not have to deal with the peaks of anxiety, insomnia, and crying. I can function, it's great.

I tried to quit 3 years ago because I thought I was getting strong and level-headed. But my doctor did not want to because I was about to hit menopause. I am glad I did not quit because MS hit me this year and it's good to have Effexor on my side to deal with this new challenge. I can function and be happy even if I can't get MS off my mind.

greaterexp profile image
greaterexp

It's so encouraging to hear that so many here have found something that works well. That can be a challenge - finding the right medication or combination of meds that help. But once we find something that helps, it sure can make a huge difference!

BoniSue profile image
BoniSue

I have MS and Rapid Cycling Bipolar or as my new Dr. calls it Depression with Psychotic Tendencies because does believe in Rapid Cycling like my previous Drs. I feel like I take too many meds some days but I need them too keep my moods slightly smoothed out and I have noticed with others I have talked to who have MS that it seems we are all fighting something. Finding the right meds and the right Dr can be so hard. I am finally stable on Topamax and Luvox with Remeron for sleep.

Juliew19673 profile image
Juliew19673

I was a raging "B" the year before I was DXED - told the neurologist that I needed Zoloft and she tried pushing Welbutrin on me. I told her I wouldn't take that zombie inducing crap. She said I'm not familiar with depression in MS - then gave me a copy of a book that she coauthored, that had a chapter on depression! I do not see her any longer and take Zoloft and I am no longer Raging.

Yooper profile image
Yooper

Just had my Wellbutrin increased. Not only does depression affect you and family it also has affects on your energy.

sashaming1 profile image
sashaming1

I've heard that 60% of people with MS have depression. More than people with cancer, or other significant diseases. Maybe because people with MS have more unpredictable(!) things to be concerned about, causing mental depression or MS is something that physically affects the brain directly, causing depression.

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