This World Mental Health Day 2026 (10 October), members of our Lived Experience Expert Panel (LEEP) share their experiences of managing mental health while living with MS, including seeking professional support, staying active, connecting with others and adapting to changing circumstances.
Their experiences show that there is no single approach to looking after your mental health.
We also share some resources that may help you seek support and consider your own mental health.
“Living with MS has taught me to ask for help early instead of trying to manage all on my own.” – Rachel, MS Australia LEEP member
Content warning: This article discusses mental illness and mental health challenges that some readers may find distressing. If you or someone you know is in need of support, contact Lifeline on 13 11 14 or visit www.lifeline.org.au.
People living with MS experience higher rates of depression and mental health challenges than the general population, and depression can occur at any stage of MS.
LEEP member Hannah found that adjusting to her MS diagnosis and symptoms affected her personal
identity and led her to seek support from a range of mental health professionals:
“MS and mental health, in my experience, go hand in hand. I have had to lean on support from psychologists, psychiatrists, counsellors and even spent time in a psychiatric facility to learn healthy ways of navigating my new way of life.” – Hannah, MS Australia LEEP member
Tessa echoes that managing her mental health is intrinsically linked to her MS management and expands on the everyday habits that keep her going:
“Having lived with MS for over 30 years, prioritising my mental health is essential. Depression and anxiety have both been a part of my MS journey, and I have found medication, therapy and counselling to be life changing. Along with simple daily habits such as walks with my dog, meditation and keeping a gratitude journal. Sometimes it really is the little things that can make a big difference.” – Tessa, MS Australia LEEP member
Studies show that working with healthcare professionals, like your doctor, an MS nurse, or a mental health specialist, can improve mental health and quality of life.
For some, managing mental health alongside physical health with regular workout routines is what keeps them on track. Rachel shares that staying active has helped her mental health, and that small, consistent actions can make a difference when managing competing priorities:
“Keeping my world calm, staying active, and moving my body every day has made a big difference to my mental health. It’s not perfect all the time, but these are the things that help me get back to feeling okay.” – Rachel, MS Australia LEEP member
Rowena reflects that it’s important to lean on people you trust when managing your MS and mental health:
“Living with MS isn’t just about maintaining brain health, it’s about creating a happy brain. Surround yourself with people who matter, who make you smile, laugh and find joy.” – Rowena, MS Australia LEEP member
Loved ones can offer support and companionship, which makes managing mental health easier. Kate shares that connecting with friends helps her remember the simple joys in life:
“Making time to spend with friends can feel really difficult, especially when I’m busy or not feeling well. The effort required to communicate and organise a time, a location and an activity can seem overwhelming sometimes. But then, within five minutes of meeting up, we’re sharing what’s happened in our lives and laughing together, and I feel part of something bigger than myself. Spending time with people who get me is one of the purest joys in life and can make a difficult day so much easier to navigate.” – Kate, MS Australia LEEP member
After years of her husband caring for her, Anne found herself stepping into the role of caregiver. She shares how she navigated this transition while prioritising both his wellbeing and her own:
“My husband cared for me for almost 40 years; after a huge decline in his health, the positions were reversed. I found that my mental well-being improved considerably when I took more responsibility, not only for him but also for myself. The guilt I felt while letting him do everything became pride in myself; “where there is a will, there is a way” became my new motto.” – Anne, MS Australia LEEP member
Finding support
Reaching out to your support network can be a helpful first step when you are experiencing difficulties with your mental health, and there are many options available for seeking support. MS member organisations across Australia offer phone support and can connect you with peer support groups or even pair you up with a volunteer to chat with. Learn more about support from your local member organisation.
If you’re seeking information on improving your overall health and wellbeing, MS Australia’s Living well with MS guide offers practical, accessible information to support lifestyle choices that may reduce relapses and symptoms, slow progression, and improve quality of life. This includes tips on stress management and seeking support for depression and anxiety.
