Question: What is it? How can one access a rehabilitation psychologist?

Answer:
Rehabilitation psychology is a branch of psychology that focuses on diagnosing, treating, and rehabilitating individuals facing mental, physical/motor, intellectual, and social disabilities. In working with individuals dealing with multiple sclerosis (MS), rehabilitation psychological therapy aims to address the emotional challenges accompanying the disease, tailored to each patient’s individual needs. Often, the therapy’s goal is to help patients accept the disease, learn how to maintain a routine alongside it, strengthen their sense of control over their lives, and improve their quality of life across various domains (employment, social, relationships, etc.).

Following recent reforms, psychological therapy for individuals with MS is now provided free of charge. Almost every medical center has a rehabilitation psychologist in the MS clinics, and treatment can be accessed with a referral (Form 17).

Question: The disease affects my behavior. What should I do?

Answer:
Yes, multiple sclerosis leads to physical, cognitive, and emotional changes, often accompanied by feelings of lack of control, uncertainty, and helplessness. The goal of rehabilitation therapy is to provide tools to cope with the changes accompanying the disease, tailored to each patient’s unique challenges.

For example, in therapy, joint discussions take place regarding how the disease impacts the patient’s behavior and various aspects of life (work, relationships, family, social life). These discussions aim to explore ways in which the individual can alleviate the burden on themselves or “manage” the effects of the disease on them and their environment.

Question: What is recommended for personal well-being when there is regression in physical and mental abilities and loss of work capacity due to the disease?

Answer:
Regression in physical and mental abilities often naturally leads to feelings of anxiety and helplessness. Adjusting to a new and frequently changing physical and mental state is a process often accompanied by mourning for lost functions.

In addition to processing the feelings associated with the loss of abilities, promoting personal well-being involves focusing on positive aspects and areas unaffected by the disease. Support groups can sometimes help, as well as engaging in activities or connecting with social/family environments that serve as a source of support for the individual.

It’s crucial to integrate these aspects into everyday life to maintain and enhance a sense of well-being.