Symptom 10: Emotional Changes and Depression – The Silent Battle
The unseen impact of RRMS often manifests as emotional changes and depression. It’s not unusual for individuals with RRMS to experience mood swings, irritability, periods of uncontrollable laughter or crying, and feelings of sadness or hopelessness.
Depression in RRMS isn’t just feeling sad; it’s a clinical condition that can affect your ability to function. Symptoms can include a persistent sad mood, loss of interest in activities, changes in sleep or appetite, difficulty concentrating, and in severe cases, suicidal thoughts.
The emotional impact can be profound, affecting not only the individual but also their relationships. It can lead to withdrawal from social activities, decreased work performance, and issues in personal relationships.
Self-care practices like regular exercise, a healthy diet, good sleep hygiene, and mindfulness activities can all contribute to better emotional health. It can also be helpful to join a support group or engage in hobbies and activities that bring joy.(10)
