How can I cope with generalized anxiety disorder if I have MS?

There are self-help strategies that therapists recommend that may help in dealing with anxiety if you have generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) -- uncontrollable and extreme worry about hypothetical situations on a daily basis. They include:

• Educating yourself about anxiety: Knowing the fears that contribute to your anxiety and the way your body responds is key to breaking the cycle of worry. Some therapists recommend keeping journals where you can write out the worst case scenarios of your worries and then review them at a later time.
• Find a Support System: Find a local support group in your area where you can discuss your fears and concerns. These groups promote social interaction and provide an unbiased opinion.
• Establish lifestyle changes: Worrying about things you have no control over can take a lot of your energy. Combining gentle exercises such as yoga or Tai Chi, eating a well balanced diet, and cutting out things like nicotine, caffeine, and alcohol can relax the body and the mind and may help reduce symptoms of GAD.
• Take a deep breath: When anxiety takes hold, learn to relax yourself with breathing exercises. Focus on yourself and gently breathe in through your noise, pause, and then breathe out through your mouth. Repeat this several times until you start to feel a calm sensation throughout your body.