How do you handle your emotions?
Are you on antidepressants?
Do you cry a lot?
I'm not too good at handling mine, I have 2 grown boys, they don't know what to do when I get upset and I cry, I have been on prozac for 14 years, it helps until something happens that I don't like.
How do you handle yours?

I'm sorry you are going through a bad time. .... If you are having crying jags, then your Prozac is not working. Maybe it's time to switch ADs.

I never had a depression problem before MS, but now, I couldn't cope without my AD. I've used Buspar, Paxil and now, Prozac. I loved them all, but they do stop working after a time.

I guess I have been lucky. The first year was really tough emotionally (was dx 2 1/2 years ago), but now I am okay most of the time. AD's do not work for me -- hated the side effects. I figure that it is okay to be depressed occasionally, and about once a month I have a really good cry.

Emotionally I do ok. I get frustrated sometimes, no doubt. I take lots of deep breaths, try to remain calm, and retry the task I am trying to accomplish. Depression has not been an issue for me, however, I do take an AD to help break the pain cycle that I was in.

If you need to cry, go a head and cry. A friend of mine who also has MS sets a time limit for her pity parties. I tried this technique and it works well for me. I give myself 5 to 10 minutes of pity time.

Talk to your dr about your emotions and see about getting on an AD and/or some counseling. It really does help.

Apparently some of you never suffered from the chemical imbalance of clinical depression, as I did, along with an anxiety disorder. My Neuro (Also a Psychciatrist) informed me that MS can be a direct cause of this chemical imbalance and can only be treated effectively with meds (ADs)

Situational Depression, of course, can be treated with counciling.

Discuss it with your Doc and feel better soon..

I've had clinical depression for 20 years and been on ADs for nearly that long, and like other meds, you do need to go in periodically and have them adjusted. You don't say how long you've been feeling down, or your dosage of Prozac. If you haven't increased the dosage in many years, a simple increase in dosage is sometimes all that's needed.

I've been on Prozac, Zoloft, Paxil. Currently I'm on 450 mg of Effexor and 150 mg of Zoloft daily. My thyroid quit working recently which effected my depression and (with my Phych's ok) I took an extra 50 mg of Zoloft for about 2 weeks till the thyroid meds kicked in. (Low thyroid can cause depression, too, as it helps regulate hormones-especially in women.)

As for a situation that you are unable to deal with on your own, you might try counseling. I've been in counseling three times, and each time it made a big difference!

Please call your doc and get evaluated! Depression is a very serious illness!

Sally - You bring up a very good point. The chemical imbalance is true for any brain injury. Many neuro patients go on ADs for that reason. Originally I was prescribed ADs to help break the pain cycle. Pain does bring you down a bit but once you feel better, you're happier. I have been on ADs for the past 4 years, shortly before being dx.

So I need to correct myself . . .I have not experienced depression per se (I do have my moments like anyone else) but I may have that imbalance (more than likely do) and the AD is helping that as well as helping me relax a bit during the real painful times.

Thank you Sally for bringing that up.

I am not dx'd ms, but when I first got sick was pretty distressed. Never was a PMS-y kind of person, not one to cry much, but that first year of limbo cried and ranted a LOT.

And if that was bad, menopause is at least that bad or worse.

I have tried AD's for pain, but had bad reactions.

You say you have 2 grown boys, so your age may be a factor as it is for me.

I agree with the others though - it sounds like you need meds adjusted or maybe add another. Counselling is also good - best thing I ever did was find a good psychologist to talk to. Got good feedback and excellent advice.

Whatever you do, don't be too hard on yourself for feeling this way. Remember, it's not some little thing a person should be able to cope with - it's one MORE thing that's getting you down. Stress is not about one huge thing, a lot of times. It's about that last straw, lol.

Good luck!

I too take an AD with no side effects. It just seems to help me handle situations logically.

Sally, I had been diagnosed, at one time, with clinical depression.

I spent quite a few years on ADs and without them I have no doubt I would not be around to discuss this. I have not been on an AD for a few years, mine was not MS related.

Emotions? Yes, I cry and it is to the point of not being able to hide the tears from my family and I gave up trying. I am not depressed and have a Psychiatrist that will agree.

I deal with Post-Traumatic Disorder (PTSD) which includes dealing with anxiety and panic attacks.

I am in therapy and have been for awhile. MS, at this time does not even play into my emotions.

I suggest anyone who is dealing with depression for whatever reason seek medical help - but not everyone who is emotional or cries is depressed. It's best to have a doctor, preferably a Psychiatrist decide if you are depressed or not.