Living with MS > Coping with Stress

Many people use the word 'stress' to describe a range of negative experiences, from finding a car park at a busy shopping centre to going through a divorce! Everyone feels stressed at times for different reasons, and has different reactions to stressful situations. Some of the most common causes of stress include relationships, family, money and health.

What is Stress?

For doctors and researchers, the term 'stress' is used to describe a range of emotions that are experienced when an individual feels the demands of a situation are greater than the resources they have available to cope successfully. In this definition the experience of stress is associated with certain physiological changes that may have long-term effects.

Stress and MS

Research has shown that stress can have a negative effect on health and well being. Some evidence suggests that stressful life events may be related to the development of MS and that stress may be associated with having MS relapses.

There are two ways of looking at the impact of stress on health. The first concerns body chemicals produced during times of stress and the potentially negative effect that these may have on biological functions, including the immune system. The second theory focuses on the types of helpful and unhelpful reactions that people have to stressful experiences, or how individuals cope with stress.

Reducing Stress

Beneficial coping includes actions that are directed at reducing the stressful impact of the event, such as seeking help or finding a solution for the problem. Sometimes we can have unhelpful reactions in response to stress that are not directed at changing or reducing the impact of the event, such as bottling up our feelings or taking our anger out on others. Unhelpful coping strategies can result in our feelings of stress spiralling upwards.

While many people can deal effectively with stressful situations, others might find that they are often overwhelmed by feelings of stress. The following sections will look at ways that people with MS can use positive coping techniques in order to reduce the negative impact of stress on their health and general well being.

Problem solving

When facing a stressful situation it is easy to focus our attention on how the situation is making us feel and what we can do to make ourselves feel better. However, this type of reaction doesn't deal with or change the problem that caused the stress, and can even create more stress if our attempts to feel better don't work.

Problem solving is a coping technique that looks at how to deal effectively with the root cause of the stress and take action to change the situation for the better. Your MS Field Worker can discuss with you the use of problem solving techniques to deal with issues that are directly caused by MS, or can refer you to a counsellor or other specialist to help you to develop skills in problem solving that can be used in your general life.

Social support

Having a supportive network of friends and family can make all the difference when faced with a stressful event. Being able to share our feelings with others for understanding and reassurance or to ask for advice can help to reduce our worries. Often just knowing that you can call on a close friend for their support if it's needed can make you feel more confident in dealing with issues when they arise.

Your MS Field Worker can discuss a range of support options to suit you whatever your circumstances. MS support networks exist in most areas of Auckland, where people with MS are able to meet regularly to share their experiences and make new friends in an understanding and caring environment.

Relaxation

Experiencing stress can cause our minds to work overtime and the muscles in our bodies to tense up. This can sometimes lead to mental exhaustion, pain and discomfort, or loss of sleep.

Many people with MS find that using techniques to clear the mind and ease tense muscles, such as relaxation and meditation, can promote positive feelings of well being and can help to deal with stress in a positive way.

Your MS Field Worker can suggest a range of relaxation exercises or resources to suit you.

Massage

Massage can be effective in relieving tension that has built up in the muscles and can improve the range of motion in limbs. Receiving treatment from a qualified Massage Therapist may be particularly good for people with muscle spasticity or problems with walking or coordination.

Massage therapy is also good for improving circulation and has been shown to help with feelings of anxiety and depression. People with MS often feel more energy and a have better sense of well being after receiving regular massage.

Refer to Massage New Zealand to locate a qualified therapist in your area. Alternatively, your MS Field Worker may be able to suggest a qualified massage therapist who has experience working with people with MS.