Multiple Sclerosis and Depression
Depression and Multiple Sclerosis:
When I was first diagnosed with MS, I read that depression may develop at some point during the course of the illness. It seemed rather logical, that receiving a diagnosis of having a chronic illness with the potential for progression is depressing. I had not experienced any sort of depression other then the initial feelings I had after being diagnosed with MS. In January of this year 2009, (about four years after my diagnosis) I began having severe bouts of depression. I remember being on the subway one day thinking about some personal turbulence I was enduring at the time, when suddenly I began to have this overwhelming and uncontrollable feeling of sadness, so much so, that I began crying. It was quite embarrassing.
Here I was, a thirty-something-year-old man in a crowded train, crying like a baby. I wanted to hide or run but there was no place to go. When I got home I looked into Depression, in connection to MS. I found out there was something called Pseudobulbar Affect (PBA), which impacts those who suffer from MS (as well as other neurologic diseases and conditions). It is characterized by uncontrolled, inappropriate, and/or exaggerated episodes of crying, laughing, or other emotional display, occurring with only minimal or no stimulation to such a response. The experience was humiliating, and I am not sure how common it is. If anyone can help shed some light on this or can relate to this experience, I would greatly appreciate it. I am going to look more into PBA, its causes and related symptoms, and will post my findings.
Categories: Depression and Multiple Sclerosis
Tags: MS link to Depression
Hi Gary and gang,
Happy Groundhog Day! It can be a turning point for us, as well as for the weather. Some of us may think of it as just a silly day, and we might not even know what it really means, to be totally honest.
I honestly believe that the weather and changing seasons can contribute to how we feel, esp those of us who deal with chronic issues on a regular basis; and esp those that encompass any sort of routine pain.
The truth of the matter is that winter is the most difficult time of the year, and especially now, in the post holiday season. The weather can affect how we feel physically; and how we feel physically can affect how we feel emotionally. Consequently, a person with any sort of long term or chronic illness is always prone to loneliness, isolation and depression, or any combination of the three. All the more reason to reach out to those who cope with any sort of illness - whether through a blog, email or by phone.
One specific issue that MS patients sometimes deal with, as mentioned in this article is the pseudobulbar affect (PBA). This is a condition that can cause random bouts of extreme emotional outbursts, such as laughing or crying without an obvious trigger. While I don't personally have MS, someone in my life deals with it, someone I love with all my heart and care about a great deal.
While he currently doesn't deal with major challenges of MS on a daily basis, I personally think he is dealing with some emotional issues, yet he doesn't seem to want to admit it or open up about it.
I myself deal with a number of chronic issues, of which depression is one, and has been a part of my existence for a long time. I also have studied psychology, so I know all too well the signs that indicate someone is going through some sort of depression.
I don't know what I can do for this person whom I care about so much. All I want is to be there for him, make him happy and do what I can to make his life better by being a part of it. Can anyone shed some light on this for me? I'd sure appreciate it.
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I have had a problem with PBA before I found out I had MS. I try not to go to things I am unsure of how I will react. You should have seen some of folks after a small town funeral. It was embarrassing. I also laugh out loud at meetings if I think of something funny.
Maybe thats why somebody just sends me a check every month to stay home !
Please, please keep your sense of humor. Just think of the stories you can tell !
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