"One day, one wonderful hour at a time."
Depression
Depression or Mood Swings
Depression is a widespread problem, occurring not just in people who have MS. It's important to understand that depression is a term used broadly when it comes to people with MS. It is often used to describe a wide range of emotions, from feeling down for a few hours one day, to clinical depression, which may last for months. People with MS, as well as their friends and family, need to know that depression, in whatever form, is common.
Depression does not mean that you are "weak." You should not feel ashamed about being depressed or feel the need to hide it. You cannot control or prevent depression.
We still do not fully understand the nature of depression in MS. But, in recent years, we have learned much about it:
- Stress is a major factor in depression. The stress of dealing with a diagnosis of a chronic disease, and the possibility of disability can bring on depression.
- The disease process of MS may cause depression. If MS damages areas of the brain that are involved in emotional expression and control, a variety of behavioral changes can result, including depression.
- Depression may also be associated with MS-related changes that occur in the immune or neuroendocrine systems.
- Depression can also be a side effect of some medications.
People with MS often go through a period of grieving. They may grieve the losses they experience due to MS, such as walking or working. This mourning may look like depression. Grief eventually goes away on its own. So, it's important to recognize the differences between mild, everyday "depression"; grief; and clinical depression. Clinical depression is a serious condition that can last from at least 2 weeks to several months. It produces flare-ups known as "episodes."
