Mental Health Episodes

Cognitive changes in MS—fluctuations in processing speed, memory, and executive function—can significantly impact daily life, yet they're often misunderstood or overlooked in routine clinical exams. This week, we are joined by Dr. Anna Kratz, clinical psychologist and Professor in the Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation at the University of Michigan, to discuss actionable, evidence-based ways to navigate cognitive challenges. Dr. Kratz breaks down the latest findings from the Cog...

Living with depression has been described as "like living under a wet, heavy blanket". It can stop someone from showing up at work, meeting up with friends, and even connecting with their family. One out of every two people living with MS will experience depression at some point in their MS journey. The METS for MS study is focused on a novel approach to treating major depressive disorder among people with MS -- one that doesn't require another infusion, injection, or pill. This week, Dr. ...

One out of every two people with MS will experience clinical depression at some point in their MS journey, making depression one of the most significant yet under-discussed aspects of living with MS. While the physical symptoms of MS often take center stage, the neuropsychiatric challenges can be just as impactful on an individual's overall quality of life and long-term outcomes. Joining us to shed some light on this important topic is Dr. Anthony Feinstein, a world-renowned neuropsychiatrist a...

When you're living with a chronic condition like MS, you want to be sure you're doing everything you can to preserve and promote good health. And, right now, you may be feeling confused about whether you should be getting vaccinated, and which vaccines are safe. It's understandable. Unfortunately, there's a lot of confusing information about vaccines and vaccinations floating around out there. This week, Dr. Lisa Doggett helps us get past all the unnecessary noise and hysteria and reviews the s...

Living with MS means living with uncertainty, possible physical disability or cognitive dysfunction, bouts of crushing fatigue, mood changes, and let's not forget the very real irritation of well-meaning people telling you how healthy you look. Just processing the world around you can feel challenging. In this episode, psychologist Dr. Miriam Franco joins me to discuss how developing a growth mindset can make all the difference in how you experience your MS journey. We're also sharing a real-w...

Living with MS has always meant living with uncertainty. Left unchecked, that uncertainty can lead to anxiety, which can make your MS symptoms feel worse. This week, Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Andrea Arzt, joins me to share tips and strategies for finding peace in the midst of uncertainty. You'll also meet the CEO of the MS International Federation, Dr. Lydia Makaroff. And you'll hear how artist Gordon Keith is combining his art with philanthropy in support of MS Canada. We have a lot ...

Getting a good night's sleep is something that benefits everyone. And if you're someone who's living with MS, it's perhaps even more important. But research suggests that more than half the people living with MS experience poor sleep. Dr. Katie Siengsukon, the Director of the Sleep, Health, and Wellness Lab at the University of Kansas Medical Center Department of Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Science, returns to the podcast to discuss the importance of good sleep hygiene, along with steps...

Research shows that spirituality can benefit mental health and improve overall well-being. And it can play a meaningful role in helping people cope with life's challenges, like living with MS. This week, Dr. Mana Ali Carter, a rehabilitation psychologist at MedStar National Rehabilitation Hospital in Washington D.C., joins me to discuss the positive effects that spirituality can have on the mind and body, and how it's been shown to make a difference for people living with MS. We're also sharing...

For many people, it can be difficult to talk about the feelings of loss that can accompany MS. For some, it's the loss of the way they imagined their life would turn out. For others, it's the more specific loss of function. Perhaps the loss of their mobility. Or a decline in their cognitive skills. It's painful to imagine any of these scenarios, let alone experience them in real life. The human response to loss is grief. And grieving itself can affect your physical, emotional, and cognitive hea...

Living your best life with MS means learning to overcome the stigma of having a disability, successfully navigating social relationships, and learning how to ask for and accept help. Joining me to share their perspectives and their experiences in overcoming some of these social obstacles are Denise Schnieders, who was diagnosed with MS just about a year ago, and Fox Rigney, who's been living with MS since 2012. We're also applauding a forward-thinking caregiver leave benefit that's just been a...