Grief and MS
Grief of a loved one is terrible enough to bear without worrying about it's effects on patients with Multiple Sclerosis. I have read several articles and wanted to pass this info to you. Due to my recent loss of my daughter, I have experienced debilitating depression and it's effects. Fortunately, it has not caused any
neurological problems, or should I say, new, neurological problems.
The death of a loved one can create many issues that we don't think of before the death occurs. Such as, having to move, changes in income, etc. Which in turn can create a tremendous amount of stress, in addition to the grief that we are experiencing. We all know that stress is our enemy. It cause relapses, exacerbations, showing of new symptoms and or worsening of existing symptoms.
You must allow yourself time to grieve. If you push it to the side it will come back, fast and furious. You definitely should find some kind of support, whether it be friends, family, local support groups, who and whatever helps you. Sometimes trying to bring some order to your life will help. Cleaning, preparing to move, even the unfortunate task of going through the belongings of the one you loved, will help to relieve some of the emotional burden. Be thankful for who you have to help and support you. Unfortunately, it seems at times like these, people scatter and there isnt always someone there for you. Take a deep breath and focus on the good things. I know it is hard to do this. Very, very, hard. It does help to push thoughts to the back of your mind, even if it is just for a moment. Over analyzing and thinking too much can set you up for depression and a relapse, so dont do it!!! If only I could take my own advice!! "When you internalize the stress rather than finding ways to work through it, and finding ways to go on living life again, this increases the adverse effects on your body by causing your nervous system to short circuit even more than the Multiple Sclerosis can cause by itself."
Talk about your loved one. Live for them. Honor their memory. It will help you with your grrief journey, and will lessen the effects that this terrible disease causes for those of us with MS.
