Hi all, newbie here!
Hi everyone. I was diagnosed with RRMS last year and in that year I had 2 severe relapses that left me wheelchair bound and 2 milder (but still awful) ones. I've been told my MS is highly active and I'm never really without symptoms, unfortunately.
I'm due to start treatment with Ocrevus soon and I'm really scared. I've always struggled with depression and anxiety anyway but the last year has been hell and I've now got really bad health anxiety that I can't seem to get a grip on.
After struggling with the diagnosis, workplace discrimination and legal battle, changing jobs, being let down by friends, my mum getting ill, the battle for PIP, endless GP/hospital appointments and tests and more, all whilst being so physically ill I could hardly function, I'm falling apart at the seams.
My mood is constantly swinging from one extreme to the other, too. One day I'll be really positive and wanting to do everything I physically can, not wasting a second; the next I'll be giving up on life, not seeing the point in anything anymore and wanting to die.
It seems to be impossible to get any meaningful help and I just wondered if anyone can suggest a way to access the mental health support I need. I've been on the waiting list for Mind for over a year, on the waiting list to see a neuropsychologist for months and feel I'm no closer to seeing anybody! Do I have to attempt suicide before I'm taken seriously? Don't worry, I won't! But if there's anybody who has actually managed to access a counsellor/CBT or otherwise please tell me how you did it because I'm pulling my hair out!!!
Hello @robyn_c, great that you have joined. Sorry you’ve been through such a horrible time. Hopefully, reading posts on here you will see that you’re not alone. Regarding the Ocrevus, this is the best possible thing for you right now; a year ago in the U.K. and this wouldn’t have been possible. My younger sister has PPMS (I am RRMS) and she had her first infusion last week. She’s fine! You need to slow down and take a deep, deep breath. You’ve been through years worth of traumas in a really short space of time. That can’t be changed, but the way you respond to it can. Are you happy with your job now? You could contact the MS Society as they can sometimes help with referrals for counselling. Has your employer arranged for an Occupational Health Assessment? You need to focus now on regaining a sense of wellness, in all senses of the word. Whatever it takes. You need to be really kind to yourself, and take any help offered. You’ve had way more on your plate that is usual for newly diagnosed. Stay strong, Spring is coming and I am a big believer that Hope Springs Eternal x
Hi @vixen, I'm glad your sister is fine after the treatment. I always jump straight to worst case scenario when it comes to possible side effects and it helps to hear a positive example. I'm having issues with my current job which is really stressing me out at the moment to the point where I've developed cystic acne and TMD, as if MS wasn't enough! I haven't had an occupational assessment at work although the occupational health company and my colleagues are aware. I did hav an assessment through the hospital when I was admitted and got some great information from them. I'm trying to keep positive and picked up old hobbies to keep me busy so I feel like less of a useless lump, also re-enrolled on a course I had to drop when I got ill so making positive steps forward. Increased my anti-depressants too and taking vitamins. Feel like I'm doing everything I can to help myself but it just isn't enough because I'm still in a bad place. Thank you for your suggestion, I will try the MS Society and see if they can help me. Can't wait for the days to get longer and for a bit of warmth! :)