stigma

Navigating the stigma that accompanies invisible MS symptoms

In the world of chronic illness, people tend to be perceived differently depending on the visibility of their condition. Some illnesses are easily noticeable while others aren’t, but both pose significant challenges to day-to-day life. I’ve been living with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis since 2016, and for the most part,…

Bowel problems often unreported by MS patients to their doctors

Bowel symptoms go largely unreported among people with multiple sclerosis (MS), mostly due to the unwillingness of patients to talk about their symptoms with their doctors, according to a recent study. However, a self-reported questionnaire called Neurogenic Bowel Dysfunction (NBD) may help screen patients for bowel symptoms without the…

MS and Mental Illness: The World Needs You

Spring has sprung! As I look around, Mother Earth is in bloom. Trees are sprouting new leaves, plants are growing, and the grass isĀ green once again. I love spring and all that it represents ā€” hopes for new birth and rebirth. For those who are unaware, May is Mental…

The Stigma Surrounding Depression

Lots of columns and articles look at issues surrounding the topics of depression and mental health-related disorders. I have referenced them in various columns. What saddens me is the stigma surrounding depression that prevails in our society. There are many who struggle with depression and other forms of…

APF Scholarship Goes to Study of Stigma and Depression in MS

Ms. Margaret Cadden, a Pennsylvania State University doctoral student in Clinical Psychology, has been selected by theĀ American Psychological Foundation (APF)Ā as the recipient of theĀ 2015 APF Scott and Paul Pearsall Scholarship prize of $10,000. The scholarship will be used to researchĀ depression, stigma, and disease progression in individuals with varying…