Anyone dealing with multiple sclerosis can go through a lot of stress and might go through depression. Multiple sclerosis can be stressful and it can worsen the symptoms of multiple sclerosis or possibly even cause a relapse. It is a vicious cycle. Depression is very common in people with chronic illness and demyelination in the brain can play an added role in causing depression. Added to this, medication like interferon prescribed for MS may cause or contribute to depression. Hence, it is very important to have a positive mindset and develop habits that keep you motivated and strong mentally. Some of the symptoms of depression maybe:

• Difficulty in concentrating
• Hard time to make decisions
• Urge to sleep a lot
• Headache
• Weight loss or weight gain
• Uncontrollable emotions

When you are diagnosed with multiple sclerosis, you need to bring in some lifestyle changes to manage it symptoms. The following lifestyle changes and habits will help you treat depression and in turn help you manage multiple sclerosis.

Communication
Keep communicating with your family and doctors. If you sense discomfort, talk to them so that together you can take steps to treat and recover from depression. Remember family and caregivers are an integral part of treating multiple sclerosis. Despondence is common when someone is diagnosed with a chronic illness. However, you have to make the necessary changes in your lifestyle and mindset to make the best of what you have. Living with multiple sclerosis is all about balance. Remain active without pushing yourself too hard. Here are a few suggestions, which can help you get through difficult times.

Routine
Incorporate a daily routine, which includes exercise, self-care, and de-stressing activities.

Take help
Connect with people going through the same illness. There are many groups online and on-site groups, which have people who have multiple sclerosis. Connect with them. Do not feel any inhibitions in discussing your physical and mental problems with them. Open up and share your thoughts and feelings. Mutual discussions help us to cope better with illness.

Divert energy
Enroll in classes like art, music, photography or some physical activity class like dance or aerobics. Select the activity, which suits your condition. Incorporating fun-filled activities in your life will make a positive change in your attitude and help you heal better. Art therapy is an excellent way to keep your brain active. It is highly therapeutic as well. It is increasingly being used as a non-traditional treatment to promote the wellness of the patients. It helps to address the physiological, psychological, cognitive, social and spiritual needs of patients. Music therapy is also catching up as a beneficial activity to heal the trauma of multiple sclerosis.

Read books
Reading is one such activity that keeps your mind engaged without tiring you out. This activity keeps the brain alert and active. It helps to keep your memory good and improves thinking skills. If you have blurry vision make sure you use the right glasses and have regular eye tests. Read in well-lit rooms. If you are affected by multiple sclerosis, it is important to be mentally active. It helps you to be positive and help you in recovery and managing your symptoms better. Reading will help you be mentally active and creative.

Solve puzzles
Working on puzzles based on the level you are comfortable with will keep your brain active and help to improve focus. Puzzles are challenging and fun. There are groups you can join. Online puzzling and gaming are catching up big time. It gives you a sense of reward as well when you challenge the brain and solve the puzzle. There are various levels of puzzles with time limits. Take to the one you love and try to move up the level.