Support if you're struggling to cope

Low mood and mental health issues are common in MS. These feelings may be due to nerve damage or the challenges that come with this chronic health condition, or both. Upheaval, stress or change can also leave you feeling overwhelmed by emotions. If you need support, here are some health professionals and organisations you may wish to turn to.

It is important to get help for mental health problems so they don't fester. Left untreated and without support, you can become irritable and your energy levels may drop. You may find it harder to think clearly and lose interest in the things you used to enjoy. These can all take their toll and you may find your relationships and friendships are also affected. This isn't something you should face alone.

There are lots of options for support and much will depend on who you feel most comfortable opening up to. This could be friends or family, support groups or something more formal such as a talking therapy. You may find it helpful asking your MS team or GP for a referral to a psychological support service or contacting one of the support helplines listed here. We have also included crisis support information.

• Emergency help: If your life or someone else's is in danger, ring 999 or go to A&E.
• Urgent help (non-emergency): ask your GP's surgery for an urgent appointment. They can also refer you on to mental health services.
• Urgent help (non-emergency): Call 111 and ask for their mental health team (England, Scotland and Wales). If you live in Northern Ireland, visit nidirect. 

Samaritans provides confidential emotional support, 24 hours a day for people who are experiencing feelings of distress or despair. You can call them free on 116 123 or go to their website for online support.

Mind is a charity that provides confidential help and advice on a range of mental health issues. You can contact their support line on 0300 102 1234 and speak to a trained advisor about your emotions and feelings. For more information on mental health problems, local support and treatment options, call them on 0300 123 3393 or visit their website. They also have an extensive list of other support services.

Sane is a charity that offers confidential support to people facing crisis, despair or distress alongside mental illness. Their helpline is open between 10:00-16:00 every day on 0300 304 7000. Their website has more information. 

CALM offer a confidential support helpline for anyone struggling with life or worried about someone. Contact them on 0800 58 58 58 between 17:00 and midnight every day or visit their website for more information.

• England: NHS Every Mind Matters website can help if you or a loved one is facing mental health issues. It also includes links to urgent support services.
• Northern Ireland: NI Direct's mental health information pages offer tips and links to local services.
• Scotland: Breathing Space Scotland offers a confidential phone service and a website with links to local services.
• Wales: you can contact the CALL mental health helpline or visit Public Health Wales for advice on local services.

You can ask your neurologist, MS nurse or GP to refer you for psychological support. Depression, anxiety and low self-esteem are common symptoms of MS, so they will be very familiar with your experiences.

You may also benefit from a referral to an occupational therapist. They help with managing symptoms including those impacting your mental and emotional wellbeing. Just ask your MS team or GP. 

Waiting for referral appointments can be frustrating as they may take time, but there are things you can do in the meantime that may help. We explore these below.

Try where possible to look to the positives. Focus your energy on the things that are most important to you such as relationships, family, friendships and activities you enjoy. Be kind to yourself – eating well, staying active and getting enough sleep are all really important. Many find relaxation techniques helpful too. Try to keep communication channels with friends open, so you can chat or meet up when you feel more up to it. You may also find these resources useful below:

• MS and emotions (MS Trust information)
• Depression (MS Trust information)
• Anxiety (MS Trust information)
• Stress (MS Trust information)
• Relationships and family life (MS Trust information)