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Depression and MS

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We’re a charity helping people live well with MS. Your donation means we can reach more people!

Symptoms of depression

There are many symptoms of depression, including loss of interest or pleasure, feelings of guilt or low self-worth, disturbed sleep or appetite, low energy, and poor concentration. If you are experiencing any or all of these symptoms please speak to someone.

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MS and depression: How prevalent is it?

For people with MS, depression is the single most important factor affecting quality of life – even more so than disability or fatigue.

A major US consensus statement reported that depression was common in MS, and that it has a major negative impact on quality of life. Yet depression is both under-recognised and under-treated in people with MS; it is estimated that one in four people have undiagnosed symptoms of depression at any given time.

If you are experiencing these symptoms, it is important to know that you are not alone. If you experience severe depression, make sure you contact one of the organisations listed in our mental health hub.

It is known that depression is more common for people with MS than for people with other chronic illnesses. Overall, approximately half of all people with MS will suffer from depression at some point during the illness.

How can depression affect MS?

You’ve probably noticed that how you feel physically affects how you feel emotionally – the mind-body connection is a cycle.

Depression increases inflammation in the body (the Th1 response), leading to a worsening of the physical illness, which can then lead to a worsening depression.

However, this cycle works the other way too. Feeling better physically can improve emotions, so preventing and managing depression is critical in managing MS.

How to treat depression if you have MS

Treatment for depression very much depends on how severe your symptoms are and your preferences.

Many parts of the Overcoming MS program may help depression symptoms.

According to the HOLISM study, diet, omega 3 supplements, exercise, and meditation are all helpful in combating depression, as is vitamin D, which can help prevent or at least reduce it, while improving cognitive function.

Mindfulness and meditation

Mindfulness, or paying full attention to the present moment, can be very helpful in improving the cognitive symptoms of depression. 

There are a range of other self-management techniques including (but not limited to): keeping a mood diary, ringing a helpline, practising self-care, getting enough sleep (if possible), connecting with others, avoiding alcohol, volunteering, starting a hobby or online support.

Other treatments 

If your symptoms are more severe, speak to your physician about other treatment options available to you. NICE guidance about speaking to health professional

These include:

  • ‘Alternative’ treatments – peer support, art therapy, complementary therapies etc
  • Talking treatments (for mild – moderate depression) with therapist or counsellor e.g. cognitive behavioural therapy.
  • Medication (for moderate – severe depression). Please talk to your doctor about this option.

Ask for help

Talk to someone you trust as they might be able to offer you support and listen to you about what you are experiencing. This could be friends or family, within your workplace, an MS nurse, your GP or neurologist.

There are also lots of organisations, nonprofits and support groups who you can also reach out to for support. Try one that is MS or mental-health focused.

For more on the MS-depression connection, view Dr. Keryn Taylor’s talks about OMS research on depression below:

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