I learned what elevated states of anxiety felt like after my diagnosis. At first, I did not recognize what my problem was. I was just trying to juggle my balance, my pain, and my sense of hopelessness. I could not name my feeling at that time. The pharmacist does a 12-point MS symptom evaluation every six months. He noticed some changes in how I scaled my feelings and suggested I speak with my doctor about “anxiety.” I have always considered myself easy going, active, and not bothered by the little stuff. Now I had a word for what I was dealing with and then after with some discussion with my physician I realized that I feeling “despair” over my condition.
My brain lesions impact the area of my brain that monitors and handles anxiety. As a result of this fruitful discussion with my doctor, I take a very low dose of anti-anxiety medication. Gone is my sense of hopelessness and despair. To help maintain my positive space, I walk every day, rain or shine. I can manage situations that might induce stress, for I have a sense of control over my life.
MS Fortunate 