Does MS make stress reactions worse?
 

I know that stress ramps up MS SSS, but does the opposite also occur?

I've been having some stressors in my life lately and I find myself overstressed to the point of suddenly sobbing...

which came first, the chicken or the egg?
 

I think you will find high levels of anxiety with MS. At least that has been my experience. Perhaps a little more stress will break the camels back and you find yourself sobbing. I went through this for a time.
Out of the blue I also developed phobias that I never had before.

Depression etc., are within character for MS.

stress, anxiety and even anticipation can make my ms go wild! The stressors my family had me under caused all kinds of havoc, but the calm after also allowed me to let it all out and kind of reboot.

I hope you feel better. :hug:

hey Debbie ... I would go on extreme happy days ... and then crash and be sad (want to die) for no reason ... up down up down ... I seen a new nurse that works with my neuro - and she's like an MS specialist ... and had me start on Lexapro ... 10mg ... it helped - but, I would be dull ... no motivation to do anything ... so, July 5th - she increased it to 20mg/day - and I've already seen a change!!

I want to do things - yet, if I can't ... I don't go overboard ... and just breathe - relax (which, is still hard for me) ...

hope you are feeling better!! (HUGS) :hug:

Yep, with stress and MS, it's a vicious circle. Thanks for Prozac..;)

(((((Debbie)))))

I think there are a lot of variables there. If you are having a bad day and nobody seems to understand and are putting more on you, yeah, my reaction a a bad day is much worse than on a good day. In the heat of the summer my reactions are a lot worse. When I am sick and tired of being sick and tired, my reaction can be worse. Then I get around my precious grand kids and everything is better. I have really got the no word down good with my grand kids and my daughter who loves to give me a chance to take care of them She says she knows that I am going to say know but would hate for me not to have the chance. I'll say no even before she gets the wonderful opportunity out of her mouth.

I tend to 'over react' more than I did before MS. Little things can seem like great big huge things, and some times I need a time out to get a grip and refocus on just how small that event really was.

Stupid disease!

Since my Neuro put me on Prozac I've noticed a HUGE difference in the way I feel.

Before my MS dx I wasn't on anything. I had been....when DH died......but had since come off that med. So, it had been about three years I had been with nothing. But MS can cause anxious feelings. It sort of messes with your mind. My Neuro suggested Prozac because he said it had the least chance of side effects. I've noticed no side effects from it.....except that I'm feeling much calmer and much less anxious. Things don't bother me to the degree of me ending up sobbing about something that really doesn't require such a dramatic response. :o

You've got alot going on to make you anxious and worried.....not to mention your own health concerns. Please talk to your Neuro and let him know you really need his help right now. I hope you feel better soon. :hug:

IMO, I think that MS effects our coping skills. Mine are not what they used to be and I notice a big difference. I often wonder if it has to do with the pain we experience, the fatigue, and some days just not feeling well. After a while, it gets to me and then my coping skills are much worse and my anxiety is much greater. It's part of a cycle, maybe even the pain cycle.

You have been dealing with quite a bit lately and that has a lot to do with it as well. Hang in there and take sometime for yourself. Keeping you in my prayers.:hug:

Yes! I worry about everything these days. I am worried about whether I am making the right decision in retiring. I am worried about a friend's mother who will not run her ac because it is too loud. I am worried about the country and the increasing polarization. I am worried about the debt ceiling. My sister is going to France in September, and I am already worrying about her going there by herself. She is 42 years old. I will stop now:p. I am worried you all will think I am crazy;).