b'FFaattiigguueeaannddDDeepprreessssiioonnDepression and fatigue are common MS symptoms. Separately fatigue ordepression can be disabling. When they occur together, their effects may beamplified. And it is not uncommon for one symptom to lead to the other.Research suggests treating depression in people with MS results in improvementsin fatigue, and vice versa. In many cases it is possible to treat fatigue and depressionat the same time.SyymmppttoommssooffDDeepprreessssiioonnS Feelings of sadness, tearfulness, emptiness, or hopelessness Angry outbursts, irritability, or frustration, even over small matters Loss of interest or pleasure in most or all pleasureable activities, such as sex,hobbies, or sports Sleep disturbances, including insomnia or sleeping too much Tiredness and lack of energy, so even small tasks take extra eort Reduced appetite and weight loss, or increased cravings for food and weightgain Anxiety, agitation, or restlessness Slowed thinking, speaking, or body movements Feelings of worthlessness or guilt, xating on past failures or self-blame Trouble thinking, concentrating, making decisions, and remembering things Frequent or recurrent thoughts of death, suicidal thoughts, suicideattempts, or suicideDDeepprreessssiioonnMMyytthhssMyth: Depression always makes you sad.Truth: For some people, depression can manifest as a lack of ability to motivatethemselves, a lack of interest in things that would normally interest them, oranger and irritability. Myth: Its normal to be depressed when you are chronically ill.Truth: Its normal to have an emotional response that may include periods ofsadness, feeling down, grieving, and crying. But when these feelings persistbeyond a few weeks, that is a condition that needs treatment. Myth: Treatments for depression are just happy pills that mask your problems.Truth: Antidepressant medications do not make you high, silly, or euphoric. If anantidepressant is working properly, you should simply feel normal. Furthermore,medication is not the only treatment for depression. Combining medicationswith treatments that improve your coping skills is typically the most eectiveway to manage depression.3'