MS and mental health
The emotional effects of MS often go undiagnosed. This doesn't mean there aren't ways to manage them.
It's not unusual to experience depression, stress and anxiety when you have MS. Medication, talking therapies and self-help techniques can all make it easier to cope with mental health issues.
Can MS affect your mental health?
MS could affect your mental health in a number of ways, so ask for support if you notice changes in how you feel.
Living with an unpredictable long-term condition like MS could mean managing extra stresses in your life. That could affect mood and emotions. And the effect of MS on the brain might directly cause changes in mood or behaviour.
In this section
“Dealing with an MS diagnosis and living with the condition can be difficult. Sometimes we all need a little help. Just don’t be afraid to ask.”
“It’s not always easy to be kind to yourself when you feel your body is betraying you, but the time spent practising counselling skills helped me to look at things differently and tune into the changes I was experiencing.”
“My belief is that if you look after your mental health, you’ll be able to cope with most things. Do whatever helps – whether that be taking medication, to removing stressful situations and people from your life.”
“As my mindfulness practice has developed, I’ve learned self-compassion, which means treating myself with the same kindness and compassion as I would offer to a loved one. I’ve learned to say ‘no’ when necessary.”
“The stress of bottling everything up really affected my mental health. And so, little by little, I began speaking to others, starting with close family and friends.”
There's lots of research showing over time, more people with MS are experiencing depression. About half experience it at some point during their lifetime.
I think we should view our mental wellbeing in a similar way to our six-monthly check-up at the dentist – it’s just about checking in. When you’ve got MS, you’re so used to having lots of different medical interventions. Mental wellbeing can become part of that.
Find events near you
We’re here for you
Navigating and coming to terms with an MS diagnosis can be hard. Our MS Help service is here with trusted information and personalised support to help you navigate every step of the way.
We’re making it easier for you to navigate living with MS by putting all the information and resources you need in one place. So you can understand and manage MS, live well and stay connected.
You can contact us by phone, email, on social media or through our new webchat facility. So now it’s easier than ever to access the support you need, when and how you need it.
Speak to someone who knows relapsing MS
Our free MS Help service is here for everyone living with MS. We're here to help you understand and manage MS, with information you can trust. We can help you to live well, with personalised support for everyday needs. And we can help you to stay connected and build your community, with our regional and national networks.
We’re making it easier for you to navigate living with MS by putting all the information and resources you need in one place. You can contact us by phone, email, on social media or through our new webchat facility. So now it’s easier than ever to access the support you need, when and how you need it.
Get support with secondary progressive MS
Our free MS Help service is here support you navigating secondary progressive MS.
We're a mix of paid staff and volunteers, MS nurses, benefits and legal specialists, health and social care and fitness experts. With trusted information and personalised support, we’re here to help you manage and understand MS, live well and stay connected.
You can contact us by phone, email, on social media or through our new webchat facility. So now it’s easier than ever to access the support you need, when and how you need it.
Get support with primary progressive MS
Our free MS Help service is here support you navigating primary progressive MS.
We're a mix of paid staff and volunteers, MS nurses, benefits and legal specialists, health and social care and fitness experts. With information you can trust and personalised support, we’re here to help you manage and understand MS, live well and stay connected.
You can contact us by phone, email, on social media or through our new webchat facility. So now it’s easier than ever to access the support you need, when and how you need it.
Get support as a friend, family member or carer
Supporting someone with MS can be lonely. Our MS Help services are here for everyone affected by MS, including friends and family. Visit our MS Help Hub and find out about the services we offer and information and support we can provide.
We’re here to help everyone understand and manage the complexities of MS. To help you live well with every day support. And stay connected through our national and local networks, online and in person.
You can reach us by phone, email or start a conversation wherever you see the webchat icon.
Resources for people with MS
Our booklets and factsheets are packed full of information and tips for people living with MS.
Browse our publications to find ones to help your patients.
Speak to someone who knows MS
Our free MS Help services are here for everyone affected by MS.
We can provide trusted information so you can understand and manage MS. Personalised support and guidance for everyday living so you can live well. And help you connect with others by finding, growing and maintaining your MS community, in person and online.
You can talk to us in confidence by phone or our new webchat facility from 9am to 5pm Monday to Friday (except bank holidays) and email us any time. Explore our services or start a conversation by visiting our MS Help Hub.