Depression and MS

I have read that over 50% of Multiple Sclerosis patients suffer from varying degrees of depression.  Another article I read suggested that percentage was more along the lines of 80-90%.   That's quite a bit and shouldn't be ignored.

If you have MS and notice that you interests in things has diminished it is time to assess your mental health.  Mental health along with your physical health cannot be put to the side.  Sometimes they even help each other.   Losing interest in things you normally enjoy is usually a sign that you may be depressed.  Along with aches, pains, not wanting to get out and sleeping more.  

Sometimes someone close to you may notice the signs before you do.  If so, your physician or neurologist should be contacted immediately. Depression can be helped but can get much worse if left alone. 

After I was positively diagnosed with MS I went into a tailspin of depression along with denial for about a year.  Luckily, my Dr caught on to what I was suffering with and put me on medication.  It was rather trial and error but I eventually got the right medication and dosage to help me.  And boy, did it help!!  I still get season depression this time of year so I adjust my meds accordingly.

Nobody should have to suffer from depression.  And, if you have had it you know how debilitating it can be.  

MS has enough physical and mental challenges as it is.  Being depressed can be helped and when it is you will find the strength mentally and physically  to handle everything else.

I hope everyone is well and relapse free this week!!

Winter Blues

Ugh!   This winter weather has me singing the blues!!   But, this week temperatures hit the 60's so I am semi-good with that.   

I have been watching the news on the poor folks in New England.  Gah.  I can't even imagine being stranded with that much snow.  But, some people love it.  Kudos to them. 

I wandered around my yard with the sun on my face and mentally planned what I was doing with my yard this year.  I can start dragging all my flowers and plants out April 1st  and start planting my garden.(only 49 days!)  

Hobbies are a great way to keep you occupied and focused on something other than your health.  I can't even begin to list the hobbies that I have heard from people who have MS.   There are some awesome talented people out there!!!

I hope everyone is well and looking forward to spring as much as me.  Hopefully no bad flare-ups for anyone!   I've had some fatigue but that's about it.  And I can certainly handle that.