Relapses in your MS are a big part of MS for most people. An MS relapse is categorized as a sudden increase or worsening of multiple sclerosis symptoms. Sometimes, people also call these episodes, attacks, flare-ups, blips, or exacerbations.
Usually, these happen in the first couple of years that you have MS, but anyone with MS can have them at any time. Typically, these relapses last a minimum of days and a maximum of months. Sometimes, the symptoms that you are exhibiting will go away for years, but periodically, they can return.
This constant uncertainty can be challenging physically and mentally. You can begin to develop a fear that your symptoms will return or that you will experience a new relapse. This is exacerbated by the fact that people with MS are three times more likely than other people to have an anxiety disorder.
Balancing your MS with all of your other responsibilities can be stressful and cause you to feel anxious enough. Worrying about whether or not your MS will suddenly flare up can only add to that. Often, people with MS can develop significantly inhibiting avoidant behaviors.
These avoidant behaviors can take control of your life. For example, you might find you are fearful of doing simple things like driving or even leaving your house for fear of an MS flair-up or embarrassing MS-related incident. Suppose you find that your MS-related anxiety is changing your quality of life. In that case, you must seek out medical attention.
One of the most common treatments for MS-related anxiety is behavioral therapy and exposure therapy. You can also try acceptance and commitment therapy, talk therapy, or medications for anxiety. Speak with your doctor to find the proper treatment for you.
In addition to treating your anxiety, it can also be helpful to be prepared physically and mentally for another MS relapse. You can do this by:
- Keeping an MS log. Writing down all of your symptoms, medications, and how much of each medication you take is a great strategy. That way, you can best keep the best possible record of your MS and how it affects you. In addition, if you keep a log, it is easier to identify the onset of a relapse or whether or not you are having one at all.
- Put plans in place. Identify your support network and let them know that you may have a relapse. Figure out who you can call if you have a relapse. If you have a job, make sure that you have a way to take time off or to adjust your work schedule to accommodate your relapses. Additionally, if you have children, let them know that there will be relapses, which will mean that they may have to sleep elsewhere or simply not expect you to be as vibrant during these periods.
- Stock up. Be sure to keep a surplus of everyday essentials in your home so that if you have a relapse, you don’t need to worry about having what you need to get by.
