It is a normal reaction, particularly when the initial diagnosis is made, and then again later, when MS is quiet for a period of time. After all, there is no calendar that requires a person with MS to confront any aspect of the illness at a specific time. However, too much denial, for too long a period of time, can be destructive. For example, refusing to accept the need for walking aids, such as canes or crutches, can result in falls. Refusing to accept that you may not be able to do the same things you used to do, and play the same roles you used to, may result in excessive fatigue.
Denial becomes negative when it prevents the development of effective coping strategies.
The changes imposed by a chronic illness may periodically threaten your sense of self-worth, leading to sporadic bouts of sadness. This is not uncommon. However, this sadness may also become depression, which is not a fleeting emotion. Depression is a persistent disturbance of mood with complex roots in an individual's physiology and psychology, and it has marked symptoms. About half of all people with MS must deal with depression at some time during their illness.