With multiple sclerosis, managing my stress is an ongoing challenge

Life with multiple sclerosis (MS) is unpredictable, involving many unknowns. Symptoms can come and go, flare up without warning, and affect every aspect of our health, from movement to memory. Managing MS is already a full-time job, and the added weight of life’s uncertainties often makes it even more challenging.

Stress is a reality for everyone, but for those of us with MS, its effects can be especially heavy. Research has linked stress in MS to increased disability and relapse burden. It can take a toll on cognition, mood, and energy, which are often already affected by the disease.

There are many tips and strategies for managing stress, such as mind-body practices (meditation or yoga), movement (going on short walks or exercising), and leaning on support systems (friends, family, or the MS community). However, rather than offering advice, I simply want to share my reality in recent months.

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Navigating high stress levels

I’ve never been good at managing stress; it seems to consume every part of me. This can be catastrophic, as my last few MS relapses all took place during times of extreme stress. For example, at one point, I was mourning the loss of someone very dear to me while also dealing with a full plate as a college student. Combined with a relapse, I was unable to manage it all.

As I shared in August, the past few months have been packed with responsibilities: I’m teaching a course at the University of Texas at Austin, assisting in another, conducting graduate research, working on my dissertation, and beginning a new role here at Multiple Sclerosis News Today. The brunt of each responsibility hit around the same time, increasing my stress tenfold.

There is no good way to describe how I’ve been feeling, but my mood changes have been like a roller coaster. The highs are characterized by crying, extreme anxiety, and episodes of mania, while the lows involve heavy fatigue. I haven’t had a moment of peace, which has also caused distress in my relationships.

In addition, because of my high stress level, I haven’t been able to care for myself to the best of my ability. My eating habits have slipped, negatively affecting my overall health. Eating too much processed food can be harmful for those of us with MS.

During these challenging times, I constantly remind myself of the consequences of extreme stress. Even though I know it could worsen my MS symptoms, I haven’t been able to find a light in this dark tunnel — which only adds another layer of stress.

The first step is recognizing that I need to ask those around me for help. But it’s also essential to remember that stress management with MS isn’t about perfection; it’s about giving myself permission to slow down and finding realistic coping tools. I’m not sure yet what that will look like for me, but I’m doing my best to prioritize my health.

Note: Multiple Sclerosis News Today is strictly a news and information website about the disease. It does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website. The opinions expressed in this column are not those of Multiple Sclerosis News Today or its parent company, Bionews, and are intended to spark discussion about issues pertaining to multiple sclerosis.