In your case and in my opinion, I think it's a combination of traumatic events and MS. I can't drive very far not only due to weakness and fatigue but cognitive issues. I can't handle everything coming at all at once. It's really unsettling. That is an MS thing. I can take some back roads to Trader Joe's but put me in traffic and I just can't focus enough to keep on top of things. I have not driven since January as things have been worse.
For some, MS does effect (or is it affect
) our ability to cope. It's like our coping mechanism got switched off or altered in some way. I don't know if it's due to lesions and their locations or fatigue. The more fatigued we get, the worse these cognitive issues exacerbate.
Since it is impacting your life so much, I would discuss it with your neuro or even PCP and take it from there.
Hang in there and know that you are a strong woman and have overcome many, many obstacles. You can overcome this, or at least learn to deal with it effectively and rationally.