Multiple Sclerosis: Mental and Emotional Problems

Overview

MS can cause cognitive problems. These may include trouble with:

• Memory, especially short-term memory.
• Problem solving.
• Keeping attention on a mental task.
• Finding the right words to express yourself.
• Grasping ideas quickly.

These problems can occur early in the course of the disease. And they may get worse with time. These problems can also be a side effect of medicines you're taking for other MS symptoms. Or they could be made worse by other symptoms of MS, like depression, fatigue, pain, and sleep problems.

MS can also cause mental health problems. Someone who has MS may:

• Have depression.
• Have thoughts of suicide.
• Have anxiety.
• Feel sad, worried, or angry.
• Feel lonely or be isolated.
• Laugh or cry suddenly for no reason, even if something isn't funny or sad.

Medicines and counselling can help treat problems caused by MS. Joining a support group for people with MS can also be an option. Talk to your doctor if you need help.

People with MS are more likely to die by suicide. Emergency help is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. If you or someone you know talks about suicide, self-harm, a mental-health crisis, a substance-use crisis, or any other kind of emotional distress, get help right away.

• Call or text Canada's suicide and crisis hotline at 988.
• Call Talk Suicide Canada: 1-833-456-4566 or text 45645 (4 p.m. to midnight ET).
• Kids or teens can call Kids Help Phone: 1-800-668-6868 or text CONNECT to 686868.
• Go to the Talk Suicide Canada website at https://talksuicide.ca or the Kids Help Phone website at https://kidshelpphone.ca for more information.

Consider saving these numbers in your phone.