mental health therapy? - Multiple Sclerosis Message Board

off kilter · 10-11-2005, 08:16 AM

I saw the neurologist and he was super nice did a through exam and said the degree to which my physical problems are affecting my abilities are greater then they should be based on the exam. He very nicely suggested while the physical issues are there I may be reacting based on stress over them. For example my droped foot does need the AFO brace and cane but not the walker. So even with a diagnoses of a real problem with MS just warning you you may have a dr. suggest you see someone to talk to. It is not only important to treat MS but it can also be important to treat the way someone reacts to it. That said, What type if any emotional help have you'll tried? Was it helpful?

Shadowrider · 10-11-2005, 09:04 AM

I am on antidepressants (Cymbalta) and also see a psychologist once a week (she's also an RN and is great to talk to about med. issues). I saw a speech therapist for six months and she helped me a lot with organization and memory challenges. The reason I like talk therapy is it is someone you can trust with their reaction and to not tell anyone, and there is hardly anyone else you can talk to who is like that. If your neuro refers you to a therapist, I'd take advantage of that! I don't believe it means you have "mental issues," but that it just helps to get alot of that stuff out of your system, and not "loop it." That just builds into anxiety. You are going thru a major life change, and probably grieving the loss of your old life/self/vision for the future. So, go with it. If you don't like the first therapist, ask for a different one. That is what I did and I'm glad I did. It's gotta be a match.

all best!

Shad

StephanieAnne · 10-11-2005, 04:08 PM

My provider is a certified social worker [CSW] and and I take Zoloft 150 mg a day. I see her sometimes every week, I am now down to seeing her every 3-4 weeks

She CSW made me see me, the NEW me, me w/MS, and yes, it does not mean that you have mental problems. That is a bad sterotype, it is a smart person who gets therapy.

I agree 100% w/Shadowrider it will help you understand the new problems that you have, it will help w/the anxiety. If you have to go thru a few providers to find the one that is right for you, then do it and please don't get discouraged. Ask your PCP maybe they know of someone, or ask a friend, you will be surprised the people that go to therapy, or know of someone who has a great therapist. I prefer a female, I think that they understand better.

I have learned to listen to my body, not push anything, I have given up so many projects that I used to do with a click of my fingers, I now ask for help ..... which was real hard to do, and the more I listen to my body the better I feel

Best of Luck

Steph