Youth Support

Seizures can take a toll on how you feel physically; you might feel exhausted after a seizure and take days to recover, you may even be injured.  Anti-seizure medications (ASMs) can be very effective at helping control seizures, but they can also come with side effects. 

Epilepsy is not a mental illness, yet you are four times more likely to develop a mental health problem than your friends who don’t have epilepsy. There are three reasons for this:

1. This can be because epilepsy effects the part of the brain that controls mood. Also, struggling with emotions and feelings in the hours and days leading up to and following a seizure is normal. 
2. Sometimes anti-seizure medications can contribute to symptoms of low mood, mood swings and anxiety.  
3.  Navigating childhood and becoming a young adult can be a tricky experience for everyone. For a child or young person with epilepsy, the challenges of growing up can be even greater.  Living with a condition that’s frightening and unpredictable and that other people don't always understand. 

Read more about our campaign #OnTopOfEpilepsy.  Visit the mental health and wellbeing space at The Channel 

It is common for people not to understand epilepsy and how it’s different for everyone. At school and college this can lead to people making assumptions about what you can and can’t do.   

You may find yourself unnecessarily excluded, stopped from participating in activities you are capable of, or not offered the support you need to fulfill your potential. We can help.

Read more about our campaign #UnderstandMyEpilepsy and find out about support for you at school.   

Often  the people close to you don’t fully understand your condition and how it affects you.  This could result in them being overprotective or scared, and this can impact your independence and relationships.