Depression
Everyone feels sad from time to time, but a constant low mood shouldn’t be ignored.
Everyone feels sad from time to time, but a constant low mood shouldn’t be ignored. It’s more than likely depression. And it’s nothing to be ashamed of - ever.
Depression changes how you feel about life and makes even simple everyday tasks feel like a challenge. It can interfere with school, work and your personal life.
How does it affect people with epilepsy?
There’s a big link between epilepsy and depression. Although they’re completely different conditions, the two can attract each other. People with epilepsy are more likely to develop depression than others. Our bodies and minds are connected and epilepsy can affect your emotional health. Just as depression can trigger a seizure. It can also be a side effect to some meds, so it’s important you talk to your epilepsy doctor as soon as you notice any change in your mood.
On average in the UK, 1 in 6 people have depression. If you have epilepsy this is 1 in 3. It affects everyone differently but you may notice you feel:
- Hopeless or helpless
- Guilty
- Anxious or worried
- Irritable
- Sad or low
- Tired and fatigued all the time
- Unable to concentrate
- Unmotivated
- Uninterested in the things you enjoy (from food and sports to sex)
- You eat more or less than usual
If you have any dark thoughts such as harming yourself or ending your life – talk to family, friends, strangers or doctors immediately.
You are not alone
Other young people with epilepsy describe the impact on their mental wellbeing as:
Severe anxiety and depression, feel like I have no independence.Young person with epilepsy
Epilepsy has taken a lot of things from me. It has impacted my life greatly and my mental health has suffered as a result. I now have a diagnosis of PTSD, anxiety and depression.Young person with epilepsy
You told us
Young people with epilepsy who responded to our survey told us:
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Impact on Mental Health
99% of young people who responded to our survey said living with epilepsy has had an impact on their mental health.
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Impact on Learning
57% of young people who responded to our survey said living with epilepsy has had an impact on their learning.
“Just man up and deal with it”, that's what they all say.
Read about Renell's experience of feeling depressed.
What can I do if I feel depressed?
Talk to friends, family, those you trust. Keep connected to those you care about and who care about you. You can also talk to people at Young Epilepsy who will understand you.
Try your best to eat a balanced diet and avoid drinking alcohol (it’s a depressant after all)
Try to have a good sleep routine – 8 hours or more if you can. If you struggle with sleep, find out here what you can do to help make sure you catch those zzzz's.
Find exercise that you enjoy and that doesn’t feel like a challenge or chore. Then try to do as much as you can. Endorphins are chemicals that are natural anti-depressants, and your body releases these when you exercise.
Guided meditations to support with breath work are available for free on Youtube.
You may find journalling a helpful way to release. It helps you get things off your chest and put your feelings into writing. You can write down what is worrying about your seizures or get off your chest an experience you’ve maybe had because of your seizures.
The brain doesn’t know the difference between real/fake smiling or laughter. So smile at yourself in the mirror, watch a comedy, or try some online laughter exercises on YouTube.
Recommended by one of our young reps, Kooth offers online mental health services that work alongside you to provide compassionate and effective support.
Where can I access support?
If you feel you might be depressed, please contact your GP.
If you are struggling with feelings of depression, remember, you are not alone.
Try downloading one of these apps that young people recommend:
- Happify - Science-based activities and games to help reduce stress, overcome negative thoughts, and build greater resilience.
- Blue Ice - Helping young people manage and understand their emotions and reduce urges of self-harm.
- Catch it - This app uses CBT to teach you how to look at problems in a different way, turn negative thoughts into positive ones and improve your mental wellbeing.
If you feel like you would like to talk to someone, you can reach out to one of the organisations below. There are people ready and waiting to support you:
- Samaritans
- CALM (for men)
- R;pple Suicide Prevention
Find further signposting and how you can receive support from Young Epilepsy.
Are you struggling to cope?
For anyone struggling with their mental health, we have partnered with SHOUT, a FREE 24/7 confidential text service.
To start a conversation Text PURPLE to 85258
It’s hard to talk about, but even if you’re crying, go to someone you trust and let it all out, don’t ever be afraid of what you are going to say. Because once you have spoken, even if it’s just one word, that’s where it all gets better.Young Person
Members of our Youth Voice Network share their advice...
“If you’re struggling, just know you’re not alone and you deserve help and to be happy.”
Explore other emotions
The theme of Depression has been supported by an educational grant by GW Pharmaceuticals
Getting a good night's sleep
Discover helpful tips for improving sleep quality, especially for those with epilepsy, from bedtime routines to creating a sleep-friendly environment.
Asking me about my mental health
Tips from young people living with epilepsy about how to check in with them and their mental health, whether you're a friend or a professional supporting them.
Do you need mental health support?
Learn how young people with epilepsy can access mental health support, including where to find help and tips for starting the conversation.
The Channel
A space for young people, aged 13+, who are living with epilepsy, for them to share, learn and find support.
