This week is Mental Health Awareness Week (13-19 May 2024). Many people with epilepsy also experience mental health issues so this is an important awareness week for us.
Our Mental Health and Epilepsy Report published last year, found that 1 in 3 people who responded to our survey, said they had depression and almost half said they had anxiety.
54% of people surveyed felt that epilepsy had a significant impact on their mental health. These findings illustrate that epilepsy is so much more than seizures.
There can be many reasons why people with epilepsy can have low mood or are affected by depression. A diagnosis may feel like it’s changed your whole life and has your world turned upside down.
Side effects of medication, seizure activities, other people’s attitudes towards epilepsy, and the inevitable initial restrictions can all have an impact on your mental health.
Always speak to your GP or epilepsy specialist nurse if you are struggling with low mood, ongoing anxiety or even depression. This is particularly important if it coincides with you starting a new anti-seizure medication.
You too can support your own mental health and general wellbeing. Have a look at our five steps to improve your mental health.
Remember to always seek medical advice if your mental health struggles are ongoing and have a major impact on your life!
1. Don’t bottle things up
Talking about your feelings isn’t a sign of weakness. It’s part of taking charge of your wellbeing and doing what you can to stay well.
Opening up to someone and being listened to can help you feel supported and less alone.
It could be a family member, a friend. You can also call our confidential freephone helpline on 0808 800 2200 and speak to one our friendly helpline officers. We will provide a safe and non-judgemental space for anyone who wants to talk.
2. Ask for help
None of us are superhuman. We all sometimes get tired or overwhelmed by how we feel or when things go wrong.
If things are getting too much for you and you feel you can’t cope, ask for help.
3. Keep active
Regular exercise can boost your self-esteem and help you concentrate, improve your sleep and generally feel better. It also keeps the brain and your other vital organs healthy.
Experts say most people should do about 30 minutes exercise at least five days a week.
Exercising doesn’t just mean doing sport or going to the gym. Walks in the park, gardening or housework can also keep you active.
4. Eat and drink sensibly
Food can have a long-lasting effect on your mental health. Your brain needs a mix of nutrients to stay healthy and function well, just like the other organs in your body.
A diet that’s good for your physical health is also good for your mental health.
A healthy balanced diet includes:
- Lots of different types of fruit and vegetables
- Wholegrain cereals or bread
- Nuts and seeds
- Dairy products
- Oily fish
- Plenty of water
Try to limit how many high-caffeine or sugary drinks you have and be careful with alcohol.
Generally, moderate drinking is ok, but always check with your pharmacist or epilepsy specialist nurse. Some anti-seizure medications don’t mix well with alcohol and can make them less effective.
5. Do something nice for yourself
This is so important. When times are stressful and a lot of your time is taken up by medical appointments, we often forget to look after ourselves.
What do you love doing? Are there activities you can lose yourself in? What did you love doing before the epilepsy diagnosis?
Enjoying yourself relaxes you, switches off your brain, and helps beat stress. Doing something that you enjoy and are probably good at can also help boost your self-esteem and your mental health.
Whether that is a hobby like gardening or doing a crossword, or even just going for a coffee and chat with a good friend, can be a great boost for your mental health.
If you are struggling with your mental health and would like to talk to someone, please call our freephone Helpline on 0808 800 2200 or email contact@epilepsyscotland.org.uk
