According to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, depression is a common symptom of MS and can encompass a wide variety of emotional states, ranging from mild to severe. Although its exact nature and manifestation are still unclear, depression in MS may be the result of stress and difficult life situations.
Though depression seems insurmountable, there are definitely ways to treat its symptoms. You can go the traditional route by doing psychotherapy and/or taking antidepressant medications to treat severe clinical depression, but make sure to consult your physician first before you start taking any drugs.
There are also routines you can start practicing that may help to alleviate some of the symptoms of depression. According to a study published in the journal of the American Heart Association, patients with ischemic heart disease who have a more positive outlook were more likely to exercise, which then led to a better prognosis and psychological well-being. For those with MS, exercising and thinking positively are particularly important in managing multiple sclerosis, as they reduce stress and give people a sense of control of their life.
In order to enhance your own happiness, here are some small changes you can make that stave off some negative energy and may improve your overall mental and physical well-being.
1. Express your gratitude daily.
Make a list of three things or people that you are grateful for. It doesn’t matter whether you write your list in a notebook, on a Post-it, or even on a scrap of paper. Taking the time each day to think about and physically express the things that keep you going can go a long way in lifting your mood.
2. Set short-term goals.
Set three to five short-term goals that you would like to accomplish in a week, whether it’s something as simple as “clean my desk” or something bigger like “exercise for 30 minutes.” Doing this might help you see that the small accomplishments count just as much as the big ones. Plus, there is something satisfying about crossing something off a list.
3. Write out your negativity.
Take five minutes out of your day to journal about a positive experience that happened that day, no matter how small it might have been. Studies have suggested that women who wrote about positive experiences are 40 percent more likely to live past the age of 90 than their negative-minded peers. Therefore, by keeping a positivity journal, you have a physical reminder of all the good memories you have experienced and you can relive them during the tougher days.
4. Meditate regularly.
Research has suggested that meditation not only increases positive emotions but also helps reduce stress. So spend ten minutes of your day in stillness and silence with your eyes closed, breathing deeply in and out.
5. Surround yourself with supportive people.
Always remember that you are not alone in your fight against multiple sclerosis. You have family and friends who may be able to help you get through some bad moments. There is also a vast online MS community you could engage with for any questions about MS you may have or if you simply want to talk to someone who understands what you are going through. Remember that you are not alone. You have a support network that will help in keeping you grounded.
Practicing these five simple strategies in your life could improve your overall outlook and may lead to a happier and healthier life.