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As well as Cognitive behavioural technique's there are many different forms of therapeutic intervention's that can help you to cope with day to day life. Whilst CBT can help you to change thought patterns and create coping strategies, it may not help to address any underlying problems in your life that contribute to anxiety and depression (Delgadillo. J. et al, 2020).
Disease Modifying therapies can also bring about side effects that may bring about further emotional adjustment challenges (Zeimssen. T. et al, 2023).
Because of the prevalence of mental and emotional problems among patients with MS, various types of talking therapies may help you come to terms with your condition and any social-emotional problems you may have incurred. Many patients also report that talking to an empathetic counsellor who is educated on the condition of MS helped them to understand how to better navigate the social-emotional impact of the disease (Mayo, C.D. et al, 2023)..
There are many different talking therapies available, these may be in person, or over the phone, or even in a group with your family and friend's. It is possible that it could take time to find one who is right for you, so it is important to ask your GP for MS support groups who can point you in the right direction (NHS England, 2022).
COUNSELLING
You can get free counselling on the NHS and you can access this online without the need to go via your GP. If you prefer, you can also attend private counselling sessions which will vary in cost depending on where you live.
WHAT CAN COUNSELLING HELP WITH ?
Having MS can increase strain on your interpersonal relationship's due to the pressures of caregiving, or misunderstandings around your condition.
Reputable counsellor's will be accredited from the professional standards agency (PSA) and will likely specialise in a particular area. Counsellors and therapists can help you with a wide range of problems including marriage and family problems, or issues with substance abuse. The link below provides in depth information about relationship counselling service dedicated to giving relationship advice where you can discuss your concerns in a non judgemental environment. Any information you provide will be respected with confidentiality, unless they feel you are at risk of causing serious harm to yourself or others. In which case they will refer you to the relevant authorities for further support (NHS England, 2022).
If you or a loved one are struggling and you are are struggling with suicidal thoughts, it is important to get help right away. You can call 111 for out of hours services if you need an emergency appointment with a GP. If you have harmed yourself in an emergency call 999 as you may need to attend your local A&E services.
For non emergency help and support you can contact the Samaritans. This is a 24 hour service for everyone. Call: 116123 or Email jo@samaritans.org.
FIND THE THERAPY THAT IS RIGHT FOR YOU.
PSYCHODYNAMIC THERAPY
This is a non directive form of therapy that was developed from Sigmund Freud's psychodynamic theory in the 19th Century. It focuses on how our experiences in the present may be associated with unconscious experiences in the past. For example, You may feel that despite efforts to cope and trying your best to deal with your situation effectively, managing your emotions in the present is repeatedly difficult.
This is where you can build a relationship with your therapist who may help you to identify unresolved personal conflict. For example, unconscious fears due to childhood experiences involving abuse and neglect may explain some of the underlying reasons for anxiety and depression. Through a process of self examination under the guidance of your therapist you may begin to accept that certain things may have impacted your maladaptive ways of coping. By developing self awareness, it can increase the opportunity for developing strategies towards changing your behaviour and improving the quality of day to day life (Shedlar, J. 2010)
HUMANISTIC THERAPY
This is another non directive model of talking therapy. However, the focus is on conscious rather than unconscious experiences. This approach focuses on a patients ability to reach 'self actualisation'. This is a concept derived by Abraham Maslow in 1943 (Mathes, E.W. 1981). This is based on a hierarchy of needs that meet the basic requirements of most humans' in order to be happy. These include psychological needs, safety, love and belonging, social support, and self esteem. The therapist will help you to identify some of these basic needs that maybe neglected in your life in order to help motivate you towards addressing ways to create change.
Generally the client leads the discussion and the therapist will listen and ask questions to help you direct yourself towards mental well-being. You may also discuss how past experiences are rooted among your coping strategies for the present and this way become empowered. A therapist working under this model will emphasise you as a unique individual and help you to achieve acceptance and self appreciation (Sabucedo, P. 2021).
THERAPEUTIC INTERVENTIONS
The type of intervention that is right for you will depend on a multitude of factors, including the dynamics in your family, history of substance abuse or any pre-existing mental health conditions. The most important aspect of any counselling or therapy is that you can build a relationship with your therapist to produce a better outcome for you and your family. Therefore, you may need to try a few different options before you settle on one that is suited to your needs (NHS England, 2022).
Click on the link above to explore the counselling directory where you will find links and support to help you on your journey.
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