If you're living with epilepsy, or supporting a child or young person who is, you'll know that epilepsy can affect many aspects of life, including emotional wellbeing.
A new report, The New Childhood: Mental Health in a Connected Age, highlights the importance of making sure children get the right support for their mental health as early as possible. Published by Imperial College London's Institute of Global Health Innovation and Mental Health Innovations, who we partner with on the Shout text service, the report explores the experiences of children aged 13 and under and the challenges many face in accessing support.
The report brings together research, expert insights and data from the Shout mental health text service to better understand the needs of younger children and where gaps exist in current support.
Researchers found that children aged 13 and under are often overlooked in discussions about mental health services, despite this being a critical stage of development when many mental health difficulties first emerge. The report calls for earlier intervention, better coordinated services and support that reflects younger children's needs.
Growing demand for support
The report showed that more than half of mental health issues begin before the age of 14 and that one in five children aged 8 to 16 are estimated to have a probable mental health disorder.
It also highlights growing demand for support from younger children, with many turning to digital services because they are accessible, private and available when other forms of support feel difficult to access.
The report found that many children struggle to get the right help when they need it, with long waits and gaps between services sometimes allowing problems to become more serious over time.
Why this matters for children with epilepsy
Many of the findings reflect what children, young people and families living with epilepsy tell us.
Living with epilepsy can affect much more than physical health. Worries about seizures, school, friendships, independence and the future can all have an impact on emotional wellbeing.
We know that some children and young people with epilepsy experience anxiety, low mood, loneliness or isolation. That's why access to the right support at the right time can make such a difference.
The report's call for earlier support and more joined-up services reflects the importance of recognising the whole child, including both their physical and emotional wellbeing.
Insights from Young Epilepsy
The report includes insight from Marianna Nicolaou, our Youth Support Manager, who reflected on the impact delays in accessing support can have on young people:
"The problem is that when you have somebody who has a low-level mental health concern, their access to services will take so long. There's that risk of it getting worse over time. When they are able to access these services, they could end up being at very high risk."
Through Young Epilepsy's Youth Support Service, Marianna and her team work directly with children and young people living with epilepsy, helping them navigate challenges that can affect everyday life, from school and friendships to confidence, independence and emotional wellbeing.
Young people over the age of eight, can access one-to-one support as well virtual youth clubs and My Epilepsy and Me support groups, giving them access to information, practical advice and guidance tailored to their individual needs.
Looking ahead
We welcome the report's focus on the needs of younger children and the growing recognition that mental health support should be available early, before challenges reach crisis point.
Alongside managing seizures and medical appointments, children and young people may experience worries about school, friendships, confidence and emotional wellbeing.
That's why we provide information, guidance and support tailored to different stages of childhood and adolescence.
Our age-specific support pages provide information about epilepsy, treatment, development, education and everyday life:
- Support for babies and toddlers aged 0–3
- Support for children aged 4–7
- Support for children aged 8–12
- Support for young people aged 13-18
- Support for young people 18-25
As children grow older, they can also access our Mental health and wellbeing hub, which offers information and practical guidance on topics including anxiety, low mood, stress, friendships, self-esteem and coping with the challenges of living with epilepsy.
We also provide access to My Epilepsy Mind, our free online resource designed to help young people understand the connection between epilepsy and emotional wellbeing and develop strategies for looking after their mental health.
For immediate support, Young Epilepsy also partners with Shout, the UK's free, confidential, 24/7 text support service. If you're struggling to cope and need someone to talk to, text PURPLE to 85258 for support any time, day or night.
Read the full report:
