Multiple Sclerosis Humorist Uses Laughter to Cope

Anger is another common feeling in MS patients. It often feels cruel and unfair that they now have to deal with this debilitating disease. Those who have not experienced this level of anger can struggle expressing it without hurting those around them. Dealing with this anger and expressing it in a healthy way is an essential skill for MS patients. A good rule of thumb is to channel that anger into some sort of plan of action. Instead of being angry and moping or lashing out, use that anger to fuel a drive to beat the disease. That anger is a great motivator in pushing through long treatments, doing exercises that your doctor has recommended, eating healthier etc.

What many don't realize is that these negative emotions can take a toll not only on your mental health, but your physical health as well. For example, those who suffer from extreme anxiety tend to get less sleep as a result. Sleep deprivation is especially damaging in multiple sclerosis patients. A lack of sleep can lead to a weakened immune system, which means that the MS cells will face less resistance and the disease will progress even faster.

Anger is another emotion that can be toxic to your physical health. This is because it triggers a fight or flight response in the body. This response triggers certain hormones and chemicals that can lead to high blood pressure, heart problems, or even a stroke. This can be avoided by learning to express anger in a positive way, which will rid the patient of anger quicker and more efficiently (talk to a doctor or therapist on what methods of anger expression could be right for you).

What all these emotions have in common is that they release stress hormones into the body. While most are very familiar with feelings of stress, many people do not know just how much stress can have an effect on physical health.