b'Dealing with Depression msfocus.us/031121Lara Stepleman, PhD. Chief of psychology in the Department of Psychiatryand Health Behavior at the Medical College of Georgia at Augusta UniversityDepression is a common symptom of MS. The changes that take place inthe brain because of MS may cause depression. And, depression can also bea side-eect of some of disease-modifying drugs used to treat MS. Care partnersalso commonly experience depression. Stepleman discussed how and whydepression occurs and strategies for managing it. Music and Movement for Mental Health msfocus.us/031421Megan R. Weigel, DNP, ARNP-c, MSCN of First Coast Integrative Medicine;co-founder of oMS Yoga, a nonprot organization.Luc Reynaud, Musician and Humanitarian from Luc and the Lovingtons,cofounder of the nonprot The Goodness TourWeigel invited participants to take part in a virtual yoga lesson. Sheexplained that yoga is a practice of making shapes with our bodies. There isno one way to do it because the way we move our body one day may bedifferent from, the way we can move it another day. Yoga has manybenefits includingincreasedfocusanddeepbreathing.Followingthedemonstration, Luc Reynaud explained how music and song can be goodfor the soul and mood. He asked participants to call out words and phrasesabout how they felt after the yoga class. He used those words and phrasesto create an impromptu song which he shared for participants.Building Emotional Resilience msfocus.us/031621Fred Foley, PhD. Professor of psychology, Yeshiva University, Ferkauf GraduateSchool of PsychologyResilience is the ability to bounce back after adverse events in your life.Its not easy for anyone to function optimally when stressed, anxious, ordepressed. In his presentation, Dr. Foley provided strategies to becomeresilient in trying times. These tips include: Maintaining optimistic and positive attitudes, and cognitive coping strategies Engaging in regular physical activity. Seek engagement and support from other persons living with MS. Seek engagement and support from family and friends.Are You Okay When it Come to Intimacy msfocus.us/031821How MS aects your body condence and how to move past itTraci J. Seidman, PhD, FMICPP, Licensed clinical psychologist and certiedsex therapist practicing at Associates in Behavioral Counseling.Did you know your emotional state may cause problems in the bedroom?The anxiety, depression, anger, grief, guilt, embarrassment, and other emotionsyou feel may affect your confidence and desire for intimacy. Seidmandiscusses ways to improve your self-esteem and communication skills.51 msfocusmagazine.org'