Fatigue Coordination and movement disorders Cognitive disorders Visual impairment Pain Depression

Depression

Not every bad mood is a depression. Depression is said to be present only when a depressed mood persists over a longer period of time and expresses itself through various symptoms. For example, depression can often be accompanied by a lack of motivation and listlessness, indifference and disinterest, sleep disturbance, a lack of joy, and sometimes a general feeling of fatigue. About 50% of patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) suffer from depression.

The link between multiple sclerosis and depression

The exact origin of depressive disorders is not clearly known. MS-related brain damage, genetic predisposition, or life experiences play a role in depression.

Many people with MS face new challenges in their daily lives which can impact their mood, self-esteem, and motivation. Fatigue, a symptom that affects the vast majority of people with multiple sclerosis, can also exacerbate depressive disorders.

The course of the disease seems uncertain, every relapse is a huge burden, and sometimes the disease even calls into question all life plans. If anxiety and feelings of hopelessness persist for a long time, depression can develop.

Typical symptoms of MS-related depression:

  • Persistent dejectedness
  • Listlessness, lack of motivation, indifference
  • Sleep disorders
  • Lack of joy, even weariness of life
  • Sadness, feelings of shame or guilt, and low self-esteem are other examples of symptoms that are frequently encountered

What can be done for depression

Depression is not a 'weakness'. It cannot be overcome by sheer willpower alone, but rather, requires effective treatment. This can be done using medication or non-medication, with the support of a medical professional (psychotherapy), in small groups or individual sessions, in a practice, or from home on the telephone.

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Seek professional help and advice from your doctor.

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Don't hide. Instead, talk to a trusted person and/or people such as in a support group.

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If possible, try to continue to practice your profession and participate in social life. Keep enjoying your hobbies.

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Move, do some sport if possible: exercise has a positive influence on mood and physical well-being.

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Meditation or any other mindfulness technique is said to have a positive influence on depression, anxiety, fatigue, stress, and quality of life. Remember to relax. A few minutes can be enough.

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Swiss Multiple Sclerosis Society, https://www.multiplesklerose.ch/fr/ (last accessed 08/07/2024).

Neurologen und Psychiater im Netz über Multiple Sklerose (MS) https://www.neurologen-und-psychiater-im-netz.org/neurologie/erkrankungen/multiple-sklerose-ms (in German, last accessed on 08/07/2024).

Atlas of MS 3rd edition. MS International Federation, https://www.atlasofms.org/map/global/epidemiology/number-of-people-with-ms, (last accessed 08/07/2024).

AMSEL e. V. Deutscher Verband für MS-Betroffene www.amsel.de (in German, last accessed 08/07/2024).

National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke https://www.ninds.nih.gov/Disorders/Patient-Caregiver-Education/Hope-Through-Research/Multiple-Sclerosis-Hope-Through-Research#whatisMS (last accessed 08/07/2024).

MS Trust https://mstrust.org.uk/ (last accessed 08/07/2024).