Health & Wellness

Are you experiencing feelings of depression or anxiety? Are you finding yourself frequently reacting to situations with negativity, frustration, and anger? Do you feel sad a majority of the time? Are relationships feeling strained? Are you feeling isolated or avoiding social engagements? Are you feeling a sense of loss over the person you were and the things you were able to do before being diagnosed with MS?

You are not alone, and there is support available for you.

Living with MS presents its own unique challenges. The unpredictable nature of MS can lead to unwelcome changes including physical ability, thinking and processing skills, and memory. There may also be changes in the ability to work, drive, or take care of household responsibilities. Familial and social relationships may be affected as well. All of these factors will affect a person’s emotional wellness.

Whether you are newly diagnosed or have been living with MS for many years, building and managing a supportive healthcare team is crucial. The primary goal is to build a team that actively collaborates with you to live your best possible life. 

Adding mental health to the mix  

Managing the complexities and frustrations of a diagnosis can be overwhelming. It can influence various aspects of your life and cause significant changes. However, you do not have to carry this burden alone. Integrating a mental health professional into your healthcare team can be a powerful resource to help manage these feelings and work towards a healthier version of you.

Mental health professionals include counselors, social workers, psychologists, and marriage and family therapists. They are experts in helping individuals feel understood, manage daily stressors, enhance relationships, regulate emotions, and identify the origins of negative thought patterns.

Mental health support is referred to by various terms such as counseling, therapy, psychotherapy, and talk therapy. You may also encounter the term ‘behavioral health,’ which identifies the department within your healthcare system that provides mental health services.

Behavioral health benefits 

Incorporating a mental health professional into your healthcare team will vary depending on your insurance coverage and your health system’s process. Here are some tips for how to get started:

• Contact your insurance company: Inquire about your behavioral health benefits. Some insurance companies will provide a separate phone number to address behavioral health questions. 
• Consult your healthcare provider: If you are seeking a provider within your healthcare system, speak with your primary care provider or neurologist to request a referral. If a referral is not required, they should be able to provide you with the contact number for behavioral health service.
• Explore online resources: If you are interested in broadening the search for a mental health professional, there are online resources to help you find the best match.

                         • United States: psychologytoday.com
                         • Canada: canada.ca/en/public-health/topics/mental-health-wellness.html
                         • U.K.: nhs.uk/mental-health

When making your decision, it is important to determine if there are any limitations on the number of authorized sessions covered by insurance and if both in-person and virtual sessions are included. This information should be shared with the mental health professional to facilitate time-sensitive goals and treatment plan options.

There are also options for paying out of pocket for mental health services if insurance coverage is not available.

Include a psychiatrist

In addition to working with a therapist, it may also be advised that you work with a psychiatrist, the member of your healthcare team that will manage any medications you are prescribed for your mental health (also referred to as psychotropic medications).

It can be challenging to find the right medication regimen; a psychiatrist can help identify the most effective treatment plan for you. If, at any time, you feel the prescribed regimen is not working, it is important to communicate with the prescribing physician, as adjustments can be made. If you have already been prescribed medication to treat depression, anxiety, or other mood disorders, you may experience periods that are significantly more challenging than usual. During these times, a psychiatrist may recommend a temporary change in your medication regimen to help you cope with increased stressors. 

Generally, the most effective treatment for mental health diagnoses is a combination of medication and talk therapy; finding the right combination will take time. Psychotropic medications can take several weeks to reach their full effect, so it may be some time before you notice changes in your mood. Similarly, finding the right therapist can take time, and it is absolutely reasonable to explore other options if one therapist is not the right fit for you. Investing in your emotional wellbeing is a critical component of your overall health and wellness. Dedicate the effort needed to find the best treatment plan for you.

For some, seeking help from a mental health professional may carry a negative stigma, implying that something is "wrong" with them. However, this view is outdated. We now understand that actively managing one's mental health can be a source of empowerment, fostering self-confidence, mitigating feelings of anger, frustration, disappointment, and grief, and reinforcing one's sense of self-worth.

Your mental health is an integral part of your overall health and wellbeing. Strengthen your support by building a medical community that optimizes your quality of life. You matter, and so does your mental health.